Scotland Maintain Hopes for Direct World Cup Qualification Following Greece Loss

Scotlands prospects for direct entry to the World Cup remain intact even after suffering a 3-2 loss to Greece in a match full of intense action within their European qualification section.

Although defeated in Piraeus, securing a victory over Group C frontrunners Denmark on Tuesday would guarantee an automatic place, especially since the Danes managed only a 2-2 draw against Belarus.

Steve Clarkes squad appeared defeated when down by three goals, yet they mounted a fierce comeback, coming close to tying the score.

Denmark, holding 11 points, top Scotland by just one point after five games before their crucial clash in Glasgow, although Denmark possess a much better goal tally and could settle for a draw.

Scotland last featured in a World Cup back in 1998, hosted by the United States.

Scotland endured a terrible opening in Greece. Keeper Craig Gordon pulled off a quick stop on Vangelis Pavlidis, but the rebound reached Anastasios Bakasetas, who evaded Grant Hanley prior to slotting the ball low into the far corner.

Gordon preserved his sides survival with a series of fine stops while Greece pushed to dominate the Scots, who seemed lacking in confidence and drive.

The hosts might have extended their lead substantially before the interval, but Clarkes players endured the pressure and regained composure.

Scott McTominay struck the crossbar as added time began in the first half, Che Adams nodded just off target, and Ben Gannon-Doak wasted a prime opportunity to draw level right before the break.

Adams fluffed another clear chance to equalise in the 53rd minute, and soon after, the Greeks struck on the counter.

Andrews Tetteh sped along the flank before passing to Konstantinos Karetsas, who delivered an excellent shot.

Christos Tzolis then overpowered Gordon with a strong effort from distance, extending the score to 3-0, just as reports arrived of Belarus drawing level versus Denmark, which shifted the groups dynamics significantly.

Gannon-Doak netted one back for Scotland, and Ryan Christie headed in from Andy Robertsons delivery while Belarus went ahead in Copenhagen.

However, Scotland missed several solid opportunities, and Denmark equalised, setting a challenging path for Clarkes team.

Should they end up second in the group, they would need to earn a spot in next years World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States via the playoffs.