How does Clarke rouse Scotland for tenure-defining games?

"A smattering of applause was just as loud as the boos that came at the full-time whistle as Scotland limped their way to a World Cup qualifying win over Belarus last month. That victory took the nation's points tally in Group C to 10 from four matches. Only away to top seeds Denmark have the Scots dropped points this campaign."

"The 62-year-old now faces a tenure-defining four-day period, with qualifiers in Greece and at home to Denmark standing between a first men's World Cup appearance since 1998. Needless to say, the Scots will need to raise their level to have any hope of ending that 27-year hoodoo, so how does Clarke rouse his team for a seismic camp? Six points from six, a World Cup play-off spot guaranteed, and Clarke broke the record for most men's games managed by a Scotland boss."

"Six points from six, a World Cup play-off spot guaranteed, and Clarke broke the record for most men's games managed by a Scotland boss. Perfect, right? Not quite. Hampden was verging on turning toxic when Greece slammed in a deserved opener after an hour of domination. But, out of nowhere, a quickfire leveller from Ryan Christie was followed by a late winner from Lewis Ferguson, then Lyndon Dykes capitalised on a howler from the visiting goalkeeper to add the tzatziki to the gyros."

Scotland sit on 10 points from four Group C matches, with only Denmark taking points so far. Recent results combine a nervy win over Belarus with a heavy 3-1 home defeat by Greece, exposing inconsistency. Steve Clarke faces two decisive qualifiers — in Greece and versus Denmark — that will determine World Cup qualification and shape his tenure. The team has shown late resilience and comeback ability, but performances have been uneven and occasionally poor. Clear improvement in quality, consistency and mentality is required for Scotland to end a 27-year absence from the men's World Cup and secure qualification.

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