"The stodginess of Scotland's performance before Che Adams broke the deadlock ultimately proved irrelevant. In a truncated qualifying campaign the Scottish task was not to make the road to the World Cup an even longer one within one double header. Job done on that front, with four points out of six a wholly acceptable return. The visit of Greece to Hampden Park next month is hugely significant."
"Still, recent struggles against packed defences meant nobody of Scottish persuasion could rest entirely easy until a 65th-minute own goal was added to the earlier Adams effort. Greek success and a comfortable one in Glasgow in March serves as a warning. Still, the Scots would have readily taken this position and opportunity before a Group C ball was kicked. Back-to-back clean sheets to start Scotland's campaign bodes well."
"This looks like a robust, well-drilled team once again. Scotland's showing during the scoreless draw in Copenhagen on Friday, coupled with Belarus's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Greece, placed the Tartan Army in that historically dangerous position of holding great expectation. Deepest Hungary and a closed doors scenario conjured memories of Covid times, during which Scotland qualified for their first tournament since 1998."
Scotland drew one and beat Belarus to collect four points from the opening two World Cup qualifiers. The team displayed stodginess early but broke the deadlock through Che Adams and benefited from a 65th-minute own goal to secure victory. Steve Clarke rotated the side, introducing Ben Gannon-Doak and making four changes to boost attacking impetus. Defensive organization produced back-to-back clean sheets and suggested a robust, well-drilled unit. Results elsewhere left Scotland in a high-expectation position ahead of a significant home tie with Greece at Hampden Park. Belarus lacked creativity and posed little sustained threat despite some early pace on the counter.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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