Scotland must rise to challenge to ‘Be a – World Cup – Nation Again’ | OneFootball

That’s another international break behind us. Scotland last night made the play-offs for the World Cup after Greece lost 3-1 in Copenhagen following on from their earlier defeat at Hampden to Steve Clarke’s side who were very poor their two match against Greece on Thursday and then Belarus yesterday afternoon but still emerged with six points.

Che Adams of Scotland celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Few if anyone at Hampden for those games will have much confidence for the remaining two games if Scotland play like that. Greece were highly fancied to win the group and they now host the Scots with nothing but pride to play for and maybe a baying crowd to pacify.

If Scotland get a draw there then it’s basically a shoot out at Hampden against Denmark for the direct qualification for next summer’s World Cup in North America with games being played in Canada, USA and Mexico.

John McGinn of Scotland controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Anthony Ralston started for Scotland yesterday and had a competent enough game at right back and Kieran Tierney got some minutes in the closing stages of a featuring at least one Kairat Almaty performers.

Having seen Celtic put in a couple of dreadful performances they got the chance to see if our National team is any better and they certainly got their answer and perhaps they too will be wondering how they left Hampden with nothing.

Steve Clarke’s was apparently raging with his players after yesterday’s fortuitous 2-1 victory but if you’d offered him this position before the start of the campaign he’d have bitten your hand off.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Clarke will remain loyal to the players who have got him this far as he always does. Yet these players are getting older and some are showing real signs of being past their best, with a more progressive coaching mindset the manager would be introducing young talent like Lennon Miller to his team.

Maybe though it’s the old-timers with the experience that will be needed in Athens and Hampden next month. Scotland got a draw away in Denmark in the group opener but will need to go one better at home and if they have avoided defeat in Greece then the World Cup place – Scotland’s first since 1998 – will be ours.

Scott McTominay of Scotland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with Kieran Tierney during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

How can Clarke get a tune out of these players next month? This Scotland team at it’s best has enough to qualify the biggest problem for the manager is currently they are way short of that level and if they play like they did in these two recent matches they could end up with two defeats against the Greeks and Danes.

At least Clarke will have the play-offs to fall back on even if that happens. In Athens Scotland will park the bus and look to frustrate the Greeks and take a point to set up the big finale at Hampden. Then’s it’s a cup final with the prize being a place at the World Cup.

Ben Gannon-Doak of Scotland controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Scotland has waited long enough so let’s hope that the team can rise to the challenge and Be a (World Cup) Nation Again…

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