World Cup Qualification: Scotland Beats Belarus 2-1 in Tense Encounter
Scotland secures a 2-1 win over Belarus in a thrilling World Cup qualifier, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
The second half mirrored the first, with Scotland defending resolutely against Belarus's attacks...
Scotland secured a crucial 2-1 win over Belarus, keeping their World Cup hopes alive despite an unimpressive performance at Hampden Park. Che Adams and Scott McTominay scored for Scotland, while Gleb Kuchko pulled one back for Belarus in stoppage time.
The win marks Scotland's third consecutive victory in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, propelling them to the top of their group. However, the team's slow start and defensive vulnerabilities raised concerns, with Belarus creating several scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Scotland's upcoming fixtures against Greece and Denmark will be crucial in determining their World Cup fate. A strong performance against these opponents could see them secure a spot in the tournament.
Belarus dominated possession and applied pressure with a series of corners in the early stages, but Pavel Zabelin's header was the closest they came to scoring. However, their solidity was disrupted when the hosts took the lead after 17 minutes. Che Adams showcased his skill by controlling Jack Hendry's pass on the edge of the box, turning, and unleashing a powerful shot into the net. The goal was initially flagged offside but was confirmed after a VAR review.
The VAR decision was crucial in awarding the goal, as it would have significantly impacted the game's momentum if it had been disallowed. With the goal confirmed, the hosts gained confidence, and the scoreline reflected the growing momentum in the match.
After taking the lead, Scotland's momentum stalled, and they retreated into a more defensive posture. Meanwhile, Belarus became more incisive in possession, posing threats on the counter. Despite their best efforts, Belarus couldn't find an equalizer before halftime, allowing Scotland to break a streak of 10 consecutive home games without leading at the interval.
The second half mirrored the first, with Scotland defending resolutely against Belarus's attacks. A potential warning came when Yevgeny Malashevich caught Andy Robertson off guard and tapped home at the far post, but a VAR review intervened, citing a foul on Scott McTominay in the build-up. The reprieve proved pivotal, as Scotland went on to seal the win with six minutes remaining. McTominay, playing for Napoli, rose to the occasion, scoring with a precise shot into the bottom corner from Andy Robertson's cross. The goal capped off a crucial 2-0 victory for Scotland.
Gleb Kuchko scored a late consolation goal for Belarus, pulling one back in the closing moments to make the final score 2-1. This result leaves Belarus at the bottom of the group, still searching for their first win after four consecutive losses. For Scotland, the victory means they move three points clear at the top of the group, setting the stage for their upcoming matches against Denmark and Greece.
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