Scotland maintain World Cup qualification hopes with Greece victory and Dutch success

Scotland secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Greece on Thursday night, strengthening their prospects for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Simultaneously, Cody Gakpo propelled the Netherlands to a dominant 4-0 triumph against Malta.

Greece initially led in Glasgow during the early stages of the second half through Kostas Tsimikas. Scotland responded with goals from Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, and Lyndon Dykes, securing their second win in three Group C qualifiers under Steve Clarke.

The national team aims to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

This represents a significant victory. We recognise we were not at our peak tonight, yet the response after conceding the first goal was exceptional, Christie stated.

Two critical fixtures lie ahead. We have completed the first and now focus on Sunday's match against Belarus.

Tsimikas, currently on loan at Roma from Liverpool, the Premier League champions, gave Greece a well-earned lead in the 62nd minute by finishing a loose ball from near the six-yard area.

Hampden Park erupted two minutes later when Christie scored from close range to equalise for the hosts, the goal confirmed after an extended VAR check for offside.

In the 75th minute, a deflected shot by Che Adams rolled narrowly wide as Scotland intensified their attacking efforts.

The decisive goal arrived five minutes later as Ferguson netted his first for Scotland, powerfully converting following a failed clearance from an Andy Robertson free-kick.

Angus Gunn made a vital save to preserve Scotland's lead during added time, before Dykes capitalised on a goalkeeping error to seal the win.

Denmark lead Group C with seven points, matching Scotland's total and standing four points above Greece after a commanding 6-0 victory in Belarus.

Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund maintained his excellent scoring form by netting twice for the Danes.

Liverpool's Gakpo converted two penalties around halftime and assisted Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands third goal, with Memphis Depay adding a late strike.

This fourth win in five matches places Ronald Koeman's team at the top of Group G with 13 points, three clear of second-placed Poland.

Finland occupy third position with 10 points, though they have played one additional match compared to the Dutch and Polish teams, following a 2-1 home win over Lithuania.

Croatia and the Czech Republic remain tied at the top of Group L after a goalless draw in Prague, though the 2018 World Cup runners-up have one match remaining.

The Faroe Islands claimed their third win in six group matches by defeating Montenegro 4-0 in Torshavn, placing them four points behind the leading duo.

In Group H, Austria overwhelmed San Marino 10-0 at home, with Marko Arnautovic scoring four goals, while Bosnia and Herzegovina drew 2-2 with Cyprus in Larnaca.

Cyprus secured a 97th-minute penalty equaliser, relegating Bosnia and Herzegovina to second place in the group, two points behind Austria who also have an additional match to play.