"Scotland could go a long way towards qualifying for next year's World Cup in the next few days - and the BBC has you covered all the way on TV, radio and online. Broadcasting details to come later, but first let us remind ourselves of how European qualifying Group C stands as Steve Clarke's side prepare to host Greece on Thursday - then Belarus on Sunday."
"Only goal difference separates Scotland from leaders Denmark, with Greece just a point further behind. Given the smaller groups this time round, six points are probably essential if the Scots want to finish top of the section and secure automatic qualification. Anything less and they might have to aim for a play-off place given there would only be two games left to play - tough ones too, away to Greece and at home to Denmark - in November."
"But beating the Greeks will not be easy - and not just because they are three places above the Scots in 40th place (down one while Clarke's side are up four) in the latest world rankings. While the Scots won the first leg of their Nations League play-off in March 1-0 in Athens, Ivan Jovanovic's side avenged that - and then some - with a 3-0 victory in the return at Hampden to relegate their hosts to League B."
Scotland can make significant progress towards 2026 World Cup qualification with two home matches in quick succession: Greece on Thursday and Belarus on Sunday at Hampden Park. Scotland sit level on points with Denmark and are separated only by goal difference, while Greece trail by one point. Six points from the two matches would likely be essential to finish top of Group C and secure automatic qualification. Greece arrive after a heavy opening win over Belarus but a recent 3-0 defeat by Denmark; their 3-0 Nations League win at Hampden demonstrates they can trouble Scotland. Belarus are ranked 100th and are considered the weakest side in the group.
Read at www.bbc.com
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