"It was another win for Scotland. It was another step towards the 2026 World Cup. It was another unconvincing performance. Belarus were beaten 2-1 at Hampden Park, but there was very little in the way of attractive, fluent football from Steve Clarke's men. A World Cup play-off is assured and the chance for automatic qualification for next year's tournament is possible, but it was hardly thrill-a-minute."
"Ian: Scotland usually play better when they're the underdogs - being regarded as the better team seems to put the shackles on them. They don't seem to want the ball enough or players don't fill the space to receive the ball. Very defensive all the time, we need to learn how to command the play. I knew this game was going to be hard and they came with the 'nothing to lose' mentality and got into us and our heads with the press. Playing with one up top looking to put crosses in early offered not much hope. Slightly better second half."
"Alan: Scotland look completely pedestrian compared to the teams we are playing against. It is the running off the ball coupled with quick, sharp passing and distribution that is completely missing. Most other teams look like they have an extra man on the pitch and that is down to our lack of movement and lack of overall pace. The manager needs to really increase the tempo and work rate of this team, as they have players who can play that way for their club teams."
Scotland defeated Belarus 2-1 at Hampden Park and secured a World Cup play-off place while keeping automatic qualification still possible. The performance lacked attractive, fluent football and failed to excite. Players were criticised for poor passing, inability to retain possession, lack of movement and low tempo. The tactical approach was described as overly defensive with ineffective one-up-front tactics and an inability to command play. Supporters warned that the team lacked coherence and could struggle against stronger opponents such as Greece. Questions were raised about managerial selection and loyalty to underperforming or ageing players.
Read at www.bbc.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]