Scotland face a daunting task as they prepare to take on Greece in their World Cup qualifying match, with assistant coach Steven Naismith describing the game as a "play-off before the play-offs". The Scots are currently level on points with Denmark, who top the group on goal difference, and a win would put them firmly in contention for a spot at the 2026 tournament.
Naismith has warned that Greece will be tough opponents, citing their recent performances in qualifying matches as an example of what Scotland can expect. He also highlighted the importance of the squad's understanding of what it takes to succeed, citing the success of previous campaigns and the experience gained from making the European Championships twice.
Greece beat Scotland over two legs in the last Nations League play-offs but lost at Hampden in October's World Cup qualifier, setting the stage for a tense encounter. Billy Gilmour, who has been ruled out of Saturday's match with Greece due to a groin injury, is expected to be fit for the visit of Denmark next week and Naismith expressed optimism about his chances of returning for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches.
The stakes are high as Scotland bid to reach a men's World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. The team has shown significant improvement in recent campaigns, and with the right strategy, they can overcome the tough opposition ahead and secure their spot at the 2026 tournament.
Naismith has warned that Greece will be tough opponents, citing their recent performances in qualifying matches as an example of what Scotland can expect. He also highlighted the importance of the squad's understanding of what it takes to succeed, citing the success of previous campaigns and the experience gained from making the European Championships twice.
Greece beat Scotland over two legs in the last Nations League play-offs but lost at Hampden in October's World Cup qualifier, setting the stage for a tense encounter. Billy Gilmour, who has been ruled out of Saturday's match with Greece due to a groin injury, is expected to be fit for the visit of Denmark next week and Naismith expressed optimism about his chances of returning for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches.
The stakes are high as Scotland bid to reach a men's World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. The team has shown significant improvement in recent campaigns, and with the right strategy, they can overcome the tough opposition ahead and secure their spot at the 2026 tournament.
Scotland's next match against Greece is gonna be a nail-biter 
! They need to stay focused & communicate effectively on the pitch 
οΈ if they wanna take down those Greeks 
. Billy Gilmour's return from injury would be a huge boost 
, but it's not just about individuals β it's about the team working together as one unit 
. If Scotland can pull off this win, they'll be in a great position to secure their spot at the 2026 tournament 
!
Scotland's been through some ups and downs over the years, but this one's got me feeling like it could be our year 
. They've improved so much since Billy Gilmour came back from his injury 
and if they can beat Greece, they'll be right in contention for that spot at the 2026 World Cup 
. I mean, we haven't made it to a finals since '98, but this team's got some real talent 
and if they just play smart, they can take down even tougher opponents like Denmark 
. It's gonna be a tough match against Greece though, those guys were rough in the Nations League 
...
. If Scotland want to take this game seriously, they'll need to dig deep into that experience Naismith's talking about and bring their A-game. The squad's gotta be on the same wavelength if they wanna outsmart Greece... and Denmark too, for that matter 
.
Scotland is gonna need LOTS of luck to beat Greece 
! I mean, those guys have been on fire lately & Naismith's right, it's not just about the result, but how they perform under pressure 
. And can we talk about the squad's understanding? It's like they're finally clicking into gear 
!
I'm getting butterflies thinking about this match! Scotland is like the underdog story of the World Cup β all it takes is one win to put them in contention for a spot at the finals. They've been doing so well, and with their squad's understanding of what it takes to succeed, they can take down Greece 
denmark's in the lead but greece's no joke either 
billy gilmour's injury is a major blow tho 
Billy Gilmour's injury worries are a bummer, but if he's back in action soon, that'll be a major boost for Scotland. Fingers crossed they can pull off an upset and make history! 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed 4 Billy Gilmour, hopefully he'll be fit & ready 2 take on Denmark nxt week 
. Naismith's got a point tho, Greece is a tough opponent but Scotland's come so far in recent times & they've got the skills & experience 2 back it up 
. You know what's wild though? I was thinking about how nice the Scottish mountains are while watching this match... like, have you ever been to Glencoe? It's so breathtakingly beautiful 
. Anyway, back to the match - I think Scotland can totally do it if they work together as a team 
. Fingers crossed for them!
. We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out, but I'm optimistic about Scotland's chances 
.
. But Naismith's right on point about the squad's experience and understanding - if we can stay focused and execute our game plan, we've got a good shot at this 
. Billy Gilmour's return is also a massive boost, so fingers crossed he'll be back in action soon 
Scotland is literally on the edge here! I mean, who would've thought that those wee lads would be competing for a spot at the World Cup finals? It's like, one wrong move and they're out. And Greece, oh man... I remember that last Nations League play-off match... what a disaster! 
. It's not just about winning, though - it's about making history 
. But you know what? Scotland's got some serious depth in their squad, and if they can tap into that collective energy, they might just surprise everyone