It was a nervy win for Scotland over Belarus
Scotland 2 - 1 Belarus
With supporters expecting goals against a beleaguered Belarus side who had already conceded 13 times in Group C, Scotland managed only two.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | Hampden Park
It might have been a far more uncomfortable evening for Steve Clarke, who was taking charge of his record 72nd match as men’s head coach. Evgeni Malashevich’s composed finish for what would have been a Belarus equaliser was ruled out following a VAR review, and Hleb Kuchko’s injury-time effort reduced the deficit with just minutes remaining.
There were moments in the second half, with the score still 1-0, when unease spread around Hampden Park. Belarus were moving the ball confidently while Scotland sat deep, prompting boos from the stands. Those jeers returned at full time, mingling with scattered applause.
It was a reaction born of frustration that had simmered from the start as Belarus played with more intent than many expected. Scotland’s smash-and-grab win over Greece on Thursday had raised questions about their form, and this display did little to settle them.
Still, Clarke’s side leave the international break with two wins from two, results that could easily have gone the other way.
Closer analysis of what happened at Hampden
The visitors began brightly, and Adams’ opener came from Scotland’s first clear opportunity. The Torino forward controlled a driven pass at the edge of the box, spun sharply and rifled a low shot past the keeper’s left. Initially flagged offside, the goal was eventually given.
Ben Gannon-Doak was a constant menace on the right flank, full of energy and drive, and he came close himself before the break.
The pattern of the game barely shifted after half-time. Scotland remained cautious, content to sit back and look for moments on the counter.
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A lengthy VAR check followed Adams’ penalty appeal, only for the striker to be penalised for handball in the build-up. Moments later, Malashevich thought he had levelled for Belarus, only for VAR to intervene again, first to spot a foul on McTominay and then to rule out a potential Adams goal for offside.
It felt like a warning, but McTominay’s well-taken finish after 84 minutes appeared to put the contest to bed. Yet Scotland still ended the night nervously, clinging on after Kuchko turned Andy Robertson and slipped a shot beneath Angus Gunn deep into stoppage time.
