Scottish football fans have witnessed a night that will be etched in the memories of Tartan Army supporters for years to come. The thrilling 3-2 draw against Denmark at Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus, Greece, was a turning point in Scotland's World Cup qualification bid.
Scotland had been on the back foot from the start, leading to a 3-0 deficit before Belarus pulled off an incredible 62nd-minute equalizer. That goal not only levelled the score but also gifted Scotland a lifeline in their quest for automatic qualification for the World Cup.
With Denmark having won the group, a draw was all Scotland needed against them at Hampden on Tuesday night to secure their spot at the global tournament. The pressure mounted as Greece took an early lead and then extended it to 3-0 before Ryan Christie pulled one back and Ben Gannon-Doak made it 3-1.
However, Greece maintained their three-goal lead for just a few minutes before Belarus scored again. Then, in an astonishing twist of events, Denmark conceded the second equalizer just seconds after Scotland's third goal had been netted by Gannon-Doak. The Tartan Army erupted as they realized that the outcome was now up to them.
Scotland's victory would seal their spot at the World Cup despite Greece taking three points from Denmark. For Clarke, his side's performances will be put under intense scrutiny as he looks to correct the issues that plagued Scotland in Piraeus.
Scotland had been on the back foot from the start, leading to a 3-0 deficit before Belarus pulled off an incredible 62nd-minute equalizer. That goal not only levelled the score but also gifted Scotland a lifeline in their quest for automatic qualification for the World Cup.
With Denmark having won the group, a draw was all Scotland needed against them at Hampden on Tuesday night to secure their spot at the global tournament. The pressure mounted as Greece took an early lead and then extended it to 3-0 before Ryan Christie pulled one back and Ben Gannon-Doak made it 3-1.
However, Greece maintained their three-goal lead for just a few minutes before Belarus scored again. Then, in an astonishing twist of events, Denmark conceded the second equalizer just seconds after Scotland's third goal had been netted by Gannon-Doak. The Tartan Army erupted as they realized that the outcome was now up to them.
Scotland's victory would seal their spot at the World Cup despite Greece taking three points from Denmark. For Clarke, his side's performances will be put under intense scrutiny as he looks to correct the issues that plagued Scotland in Piraeus.