Belarus 0-2 Scotland: Steve Clarke’s men secure crucial win on the road | OneFootball

Scotland ended the first stint of their World Cup qualifiers with four points, securing three of those away to Belarus.

Che Adams delivered his first goal of the campaign, with the second courtesy of an own-goal from Zakhar Volkov.

Belarus currently sit bottom of the group, yet to pick up a point after their opening two matches.

As it happened

The atmosphere inside Zalaegerszeg’s empty stadium was eerie as the teams stepped out for their second fixture of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Belarus, barred from playing home games with fans due to UEFA sanctions over their support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, are condemned to silent arenas in home fixtures, this time in Hungary.

With changes to both lineups, there was hope of producing points. Belarus started with only three of the same players who suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat to Greece in their previous match. Scotland hinted at a more attacking approach, with Ben Doak and Billy Gilmour drafted into the starting lineup by Steve Clarke.

Scotland looked confident from kick off, controlling possession while Belarus defended deep. Although tough to break down, there were some excellent chances created by Doak that kept keeper Fedor Lapoukhov busy. Scotland keeper Angus Gunn was also called into action, as Belarus pressed hard in counter attacks, but struggled to threaten whilst playing a defensive strategy.

While both sides racked up attempts, Scotland looked stronger and their sharper play up front was finally rewarded. In the 42nd minute, John McGinn worked his magic, crossing to Scott McTominay who found Adams at the right post. The ball flew past Lapoukhov, and Scotland could build on their confidence with a vital one-goal lead going into the second half.

Unlike their defensive play against Denmark, Scotland with a one-goal lead continued to create opportunities in pursuit of a second goal. Belarus struggled to retain possession and lacked numbers up front to mount meaningful counters.

A brilliant ball from Adams to Gilmour, deep in the box, found Belarusian centre-back Volkov, who delivered Scotland’s second goal of the game in the 65th minute. Clarke’s side began to slow the pace of the match, more concerned with securing the three points than building on their goal tally.

Adams and McTominay both chased chances in the remaining half hour of the game, but with a two-goal cushion and the silence of the empty stadium, Scotland saw out the game in relative comfort.

The Scotland team had delivered in securing the vital three points to keep them in with a chance of automatic qualification. It was not a game for the history books, but Clarke got exactly what he needed from the squad, who are in a strong position to fight for the top of the table in upcoming fixtures.

Denmark now lead Group C following their 3-0 win against Greece in Athens, level on points with Scotland but ahead by one in goal difference. Scotland will next host Greece at Hampden Park on 9 October (19:45 BST), while Belarus return to Zalaegerszeg to face Denmark on the same evening (19:45 BST).

The lineups

BEL: Lapoukhov; Karpovich, Parkhomenko, Volkov, Zabelin, Pechenin; Myakish, Kalinin, Ebong; Malashevich, Bakovskiy