Scotland claimed a gritty 2-1 victory over Belarus in their World Cup 2026 qualifier at Hampden Park on October 12, 2025, ensuring at least a playoff berth in Group C.
Ché Adams opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Scott McTominay added a crucial second in the 84th minute, but Hleb Kuchko’s late consolation goal made it tense. T
he win gives Scotland 10 points from five games, matching leaders Denmark and guaranteeing a top-two finish.
Manager Steve Clarke called it his most disappointing performance in 72 games, slamming the team’s lack of cohesion. F
ans across Europe and the UK breathed a sigh of relief amid the drama as of 10:45 AM IST today, Monday, October 13, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
Scotland started brightly, dominating early possession at 62% in the first half.
Adams fired them ahead in the 15th minute, latching onto Jack Hendry’s pass and slotting home with his left foot.
The goal survived a VAR offside check, sparking celebrations. Belarus, ranked 100th, pushed back with 22 shots overall but lacked clinical edge.
The game turned scrappy, with Scotland struggling to build attacks. Belarus equalized? No—wait, they didn’t until late.
Belarus had a goal disallowed in the 63rd minute when Yevgeny Malashevich’s flick was ruled out for a foul on McTominay during the buildup—a borderline call that frustrated the visitors. S
cotland clung on, but McTominay sealed it in the 84th minute, smashing home from 10 yards after Aleksandr Martynovich failed to clear Andy Robertson’s cross.
In the sixth of eight added minutes, Kuchko pulled one back, finishing past Angus Gunn after outpacing Robertson, but it was too late.
Scotland finished with 1.45 expected goals (xG) to Belarus’s 1.12, but their 12 shots on target edged the visitors’ 8.
Clarke’s Furious Post-Match Verdict
Steve Clarke didn’t hold back in his 72nd game as manager, delivering his harshest critique yet.
“I’m really, really disappointed—possibly as disappointed as I’ve been over the whole 72 games,” he told Sky Sports.
“We just didn’t turn up. The performance was way below par. It’s head-scratching.”
Clarke slammed the defense for poor organization without the ball and the attack for being “ponderous,” saying, “We have to analyze both sides of the game.”
He dismissed nerves as an excuse: “They can’t be nervous. Most of them have played big games before.”
Midfielder John McGinn revealed Clarke was “furious” at halftime, showing his “wildest side” as Scotland failed to win first or second balls.
Clarke kept faith, though: “I have great faith in them—I trust them completely.
Next month, they’ll be a different animal.” On Belarus’s disallowed goal, he added, “If that stands, I’m not sure we would have gotten back in front.”
Despite the win, boos greeted the final whistle, drowned out by “Freed From Desire.”
Key Players and Team News
Adams (8.5 rating) impressed with his goal and hold-up play, while McTominay (7.8) proved decisive late.
Robertson created chances but struggled with Kuchko’s run. Gunn made key saves, including from German Barkovskiy early.
Belarus’s Evgeni Yablonski and Pavel Zabelin threatened, but Aleksandr Martynovich’s error cost them. N
o major injuries reported, but Scotland rotated after the Greece draw, resting key players like Robertson for stretches.
Group C Standings and Implications
Scotland’s win, paired with Denmark’s 3-1 victory over Greece, locks in a top-two spot for playoffs.
Scotland sits joint-top with 10 points from five games (3W, 1D, 1L), ahead of Greece (6 points) and Belarus (3 points).
They need two wins from their final two—away to Greece and home to Denmark on November 18—to top the group directly.
Clarke eyes direct qualification: “Performances don’t get you there, but points do—we’re in a good position.”
Belarus coach Carlos Alós felt his side deserved a draw: “In my opinion, we deserved at least that.”
McTominay agreed post-match: “We know we have to be better, man.”
Fan Reactions on X
Social media mixed relief with frustration. One fan tweeted, “Scotland 2-1 Belarus—McTominay saves the day, but what a slog!” .
Another posted, “Clarke furious after win—Scotland through to playoffs, but that was grim” , capturing the mood.
What’s Next?
Scotland rests during the international break, facing Greece away on November 14 and Denmark home on November 18. B
elarus hosts Greece next. Clarke demands improvement: “They’ve never let me down before—I trust them to step up.”
This win keeps World Cup dreams alive, but Scotland must sharpen up for the finals in North America.
Stay tuned for more qualifiers!