Steve Clarke’s Scotland are on the cusp of history, just one victory away from reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
World Cup qualifying Group C: Scotland v Denmark
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Tuesday, 18 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland, BBC Two & iPlayer, listen on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal & Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app
Following Saturday’s events, former Scotland internationals Billy Dodds and James McFadden analyzed the team’s performance and previewed Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park, a match with significant implications for both sides.
Scotland suffered a 3-2 defeat to Greece, a game in which they initially aimed to secure at least a draw to maintain their hopes of automatic World Cup qualification.
However, Belarus’ surprising 2-2 draw against Copenhagen means that a victory for Steve Clarke’s team over the Danes would secure their position at the top of Group C.
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What factors contributed to Scotland’s slow start and subsequent impressive comeback?
“Was it a consequence of adopting a cautious approach, influenced by the perception that a draw might suffice?” Dodds questioned.
“Perhaps this cautious approach stemmed from the perceived requirements of the game. However, towards the end, a sense of desperation emerged, and we nearly achieved our goal, although ultimately, it proved inconsequential.”
“Energy and belief are paramount. It is when we exhibit these qualities that we perform at our best. It’s about taking initiative.”
McFadden attributed Saturday’s defeat to “poor defending” and a “nervousness” stemming from their recent encounters with Greece.
“Our pressing game was notably deficient,” he remarked. “Greece found it far too easy to exploit the areas they desired, and we failed to disrupt their play.”
“The distance between defense, midfield, and attack was excessive, rendering the press ineffective. However, the second half saw a marked improvement, with a more aggressive approach and players pushing forward more effectively.”
“Consider Andy Robertson’s cross for Ryan Christie’s goal. Earlier in the game, he might have opted to retreat due to the imperfect bounce of the ball.”
“Previously, John McGinn and Scott McTominay were not driving forward with the same vigor. Our best performances are characterized by McGinn’s forward surges, McTominay’s incursions into the box, and Robertson’s advances up the wing to deliver crosses.”
“For some reason, the last three games have deviated from this pattern.”
Clarke emphasized the need for greater self-belief among the players.
McFadden, recalling the difficult victory over Belarus at Hampden, stated, “I struggle to understand their lack of self-belief, considering their capabilities as players.”
“I am unsure whether it is a lack of belief or confidence, but when players deviate from their usual actions, one begins to question whether it is time for a change in personnel.”
“Is the prospect of a World Cup creating an overwhelming fear of failure?”
Scotland await updates on Billy Gilmour’s injury status.
Considering Scotland’s near comeback against Greece, Dodds believes Clarke will “likely maintain the same formation” but “may make a few personnel adjustments” for the Denmark match.
“The areas of consideration would likely be the striker position and perhaps a center-back,” he suggested. “[Scott] McKenna could potentially replace [Grant Hanley] to provide pace and push us further up the field.”
McFadden would not be surprised to see McKenna replace Hanley, who he felt looked “quite shaky” against Greece, but anticipates that Clarke will persist with Che Adams in the forward line.
Billy Gilmour, having missed club matches due to injury, remained with Napoli for treatment, and Scotland are awaiting updates on his availability for the Denmark fixture.
“He has not been with the squad during this period, and they only have one training session,” McFadden stated. “I would be surprised if he starts, but I would not rule out a change in formation.”
“The 4-4-2 formation with [Lyndon] Dykes and Adams proved successful in Copenhagen. I would not be surprised to see the return of a back three or a 5-4-1. Anything is possible.”
Denmark faced boos following their draw against Belarus, with head coach Brian Riemer expressing dissatisfaction with their performance. Furthermore, there are concerns about a potential stomach bug within their camp.
Dodds hopes this will create “a negative atmosphere” for the visitors heading into the game in Glasgow.
“Whether it is the dropped points against Belarus or the illness, there is uncertainty,” he stated. “Surely, this can only be advantageous. We need to capitalize on this.”
Both Dodds and McFadden have experienced similar situations as players and witnessed the anticipation surrounding crucial qualification matches for the national team.
McFadden recalls the “incredible” atmosphere against the Netherlands in 2003 and Italy in 2007.
“I anticipate a similar atmosphere for this game, with the anticipation and the significance of a win leading to World Cup qualification,” he stated.
“When was the last time we had such an opportunity at Hampden? There will likely be a few absences from work on the day and the day after.”
“I missed a chance in that Italy game and I still think about it.”
Dodds also has unpleasant memories, particularly the 1999 play-off against England.
“The national anthems were incredible,” he recalled. “The English national anthem was barely audible.”
“David Seaman was beaten, but the ball struck the bar and landed directly on the line. I still dwell on the ‘what ifs’.”
His advice to the current squad? “Ensure you give your all,” Dodds stated. “Ensure you contribute to the game.”
McFadden emphasizes that this time, Scotland are not facing the Netherlands, Italy, or England.
“Denmark are a good team, but they are not among the world’s best,” he suggested.
McFadden acknowledges his concerns due to “the poor performances” in recent matches.
“We somehow defeated Greece 3-1 and secured a win against Belarus, so I hesitated to be overly critical when we were winning,” he stated. “However, I felt that if those performance levels persisted, we would struggle to win the crucial games.”
However, McFadden believes the mindset will be different from “the strange scenario” in Greece, where “the focus was on securing a draw”.
“At one point, Greece were leading 3-0, and you start to think about the play-offs. It feels like there is something within our grasp, and I cannot explain why, but it feels like our time.”
“A positive mindset is essential – let us strive for greatness. We typically produce one standout performance in a campaign, and we have yet to do so – we are saving it for Denmark.”
Dodds also believes that Scotland will seize their opportunity this time.
“Because the reward at the end will provide the necessary drive, determination, and belief,” he added. “Lady Luck is on our side.”
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