Scotland secure a routine but important victory over Belarus
Belarus 0 - 2 Scotland
Scotland claimed a straightforward but valuable win over Belarus to maintain their promising start to World Cup qualifying.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | ZTE-Aréna
Friday’s battling draw in Denmark had been hard won but risked being diminished had Steve Clarke’s side slipped against the group’s lowest-ranked team. There was little danger of that once Che Adams struck the opener before forcing the own goal that sealed the points after the interval.
Closer look at what happened
With no atmosphere to feed off, the onus was on Scotland to create their own intensity. This had the potential to be a difficult match.
Clarke made four changes, one of them recalling Bournemouth’s Ben Gannon Doak. The 19-year-old was the player who most often quickened the pulse with his direct running, even if his final ball occasionally lacked precision. More established figures again carried the threat, with Scott McTominay heading John McGinn’s cross into Adams’ path for the first goal. After the break Adams clipped a superb pass towards Billy Gilmour, whose header ricocheted off Zakhar Volkov and into the net.
From there the outcome was never in doubt against a Belarus side that rarely offered menace. Denmark’s 3-0 win in Athens has thrown Group C wide open, with Scotland and the Danes locked on four points and Greece one behind.
Scotland analysis | A campaign finding its rhythm
The contrast between being underdogs in Copenhagen and clear favourites in Hungary meant Clarke was always likely to alter his line-up. Gannon Doak’s return provided a spark down the left, his eagerness to take on defenders setting him apart in this squad. He remains raw in decision-making but is already a genuine outlet.
Elsewhere the core of Clarke’s team once again made the difference. McTominay’s header created Adams’ finish, while the striker’s involvement in both goals was encouraging given his lean spell at international level. His knack for striking against lower-ranked opponents remains a vital asset for Scotland, a side that rarely runs up large scorelines.
Just as significant was a third successive clean sheet, the first time Scotland have achieved that since late 2021. Two away matches have yielded four points and offered the perfect platform. With Greece visiting Hampden next month, Clarke’s team have the chance to assert real authority in this group.
