Scotland Vs Greece: Tartan Army Ready To Reply For Defeat, Mission To Top Group C

Che Adams started for Scotland (photo: x @AboutScotland)

JAKARTA - Scotland and Greece clashed again in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Thursday 9 October after a fierce duel in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year. The two are currently only one point adrift in Group C, which is also inhabited by Denmark and Belarus.

For Scotland, this is a golden opportunity to move towards their first World Cup since 1988. Steve Clarke's team started steadily: holding Denmark to a goalless draw and beating Belarus 2-0 at home to opponents. The record adds to the confidence of the Tartan Army, which now records three consecutive clean sheets, including a 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in a test match.

For coach Steve Clarke, this match is also historic. He will match Craig Brown's record as coach with the highest number of matches with Scotland (71 matches), before surpassing him in the next match against Belarus. Clarke is now collecting 30 wins from 70 games which is quite solid for the squad that continues to grow.

Scotland currently sits at the top of the standings with Denmark and can secure a playoff ticket if they win in the following two matches. However, Clarke is clearly eyeing more: qualifying automatically as group winners.

From a Greek side, Ivan Jovanovic came to Glasgow with high enthusiasm. They managed to get rid of Scotland in the Nations League playoffs last March 3-1 on aggregate, including a 3-0 win at Hampden Park.

The 'Sky Blue and White' squad appeared sharp in recent matches, totaling 17 goals in four consecutive wins before finally losing 0-3 to Denmark in the second match of qualifying. Currently Greece is in third place with three points, only one in two leaders.

Statistically, Greece has strong capital in away matches. They won their last five away games in all competitions, including a three-goal win without reply against Scotland seven months ago. With the motivation for revenge from the hosts, this match is predicted to go hot.

Scotland is facing a dilemma in goalkeeper position. Craig Gordon, 42, returned to the squad to replace Zander Clark, but has not appeared since May. Angus Gunn, who performed well in the last two matches, has yet to debut at Nottingham Forest, while Liam Kelly has only played once for Rangers.

On the front lines, Lawrenceplokland's absence paved the way for Che Adams to start, accompanied by Lyndon Dykes or George Hirst. Bournemouth's young name Ben Doak also has the opportunity to appear from the early minutes.

In the Greek camp, defender Panagatis Retsos was absent due to injury. The center-back position will be filled with a duet of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Konstantinos Koulierakis, while Kostas Tsimikas (AS Roma) remains the main choice on the left. Captain Anastasios Bakasetas is expected to return to be the motor of attack behind the sharp striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who was on fire with Benfica.

Although Greece once humiliated Scotland at home, this time the Tartan Army came with great motivation and high confidence. In a match that is likely to take place strictly, Scotland is predicted to be able to take revenge and secure three important points.

Scotland (4-3-2-1): Gunn; Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; McGinn, Gilmour, Ferguson; McTominay; Doak, Adams.

Greece (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Zafeiris, Kourbelis; Karetas, Bakasetas, Tzolis; Pavlidis.

Predictions: Scotland 2-1 Greece.