Scotland on brink of history as Athen’s showdown awaits

By Rhys Livingstone 

Steve Clarke’s side have been in fine form throughout the World Cup qualifiers so far, and after a victory over Greece and Belarus last month, the Scotland squad stand just two games away from booking a place in the 2026 World Cup in Northern America. 

The Tartan Army will travel in their numbers to the suburbs of Athens to face a Greek side only playing for pride after falling short of a qualifying place.  

However, Scotland go into this match joint on points with a strong Danish side who play Belarus who haven’t been able to get a point on the table after four games played. 

With Clarke’s squad already guaranteed a play-off place, and Greece and Belarus out of contention, it leaves Scotland and Denmark in a straight battle for that all important automatic qualification spot. 

Unfortunately, Scotland are carrying a few injuries, with Billy Gilmour, Lennon Miller and Ross McCrorie all missing out. Angus Gunn will also not be between the sticks after picking up an injury that forces him to miss out. It will potentially be between 42-year-old Craig Gordon, Ranger’s backup, Liam Kelly or a return for the first time in six years for Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain to play in net. 

Although Greece have nothing to play for, they will make it very difficult for Scotland to win. With a decent home record, the Greeks will want to show their fans the quality they really have, and with players such as Konstantinos Tsimikas, Christos Tzolis and wonderkid, Konstantinos Karetsas, there is quality that flows through the team. 

But after being unbeaten four games in a row, this Scotland team should have every bit of confidence to believe they can take another huge leap to the World Cup in the summer of 2026 for the first time since 1998 in France.  

Scotland v Greece  

Saturday 15th November 

Kick-off: 19:45  

Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens