Scotland Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Greece and Denmark
World Cup Qualifying: Greece vs. Scotland
Venue: Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus Date: Saturday, 15 November Time: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland & iPlayer, listen on BBC Radio Scotland, Nan Gaidheal & Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app.
Scotland faces what assistant coach Steven Naismith describes as "the play-off before the play-offs" as they compete for a place in the World Cup against Greece and Denmark. Steve Clarke's squad will take on Greece on Saturday, followed by a crucial home match against Denmark next Tuesday.
The Scots are currently level on points with Denmark, who lead the group on goal difference. Meanwhile, Greece and Belarus have been eliminated from contention for next year's finals in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Group winners will qualify directly, while runners-up will enter the play-offs.
"Effectively, we’re in a play-off to get to a World Cup. If we can secure a positive result in the first game, it sets us up for the second, and then we have a real chance of qualifying for the World Cup," Naismith stated.
In their previous encounters, Greece triumphed over Scotland in the last Nations League play-offs but lost at Hampden during October's World Cup qualifier. Naismith noted, "All the matches have been closely contested. Greece, Denmark, and ourselves all believe we can win the group. Greece will feel they have been unfortunate in some of their performances, so we expect a challenging match. We've faced them enough recently to know what we need to do to avoid giving them opportunities."
Scotland aims to reach the men's World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. Naismith remarked, "The biggest change I've noticed is the team's understanding of what it takes to succeed. Participating in two European Championships has been invaluable for this squad. They now recognize that we need to perform to qualify for major tournaments. We have a successful squad that has reached the play-offs for four World Cups and two Euros, and we have a genuine opportunity to qualify for another World Cup."
"Football is deeply ingrained in Scottish culture. The passion of the fans is palpable, and when we unite, it drives our success. We've experienced two major tournaments where we perhaps didn't perform to our potential, but now we have a significant chance to create history by qualifying for the World Cup. The current generation of supporters has witnessed two major tournaments and now has the chance to see Scotland in a World Cup. There’s a renewed mindset and heightened expectations from everyone involved, which is why we have been a successful nation, and we hope to continue this trend."
Gilmour's Fitness Update
Midfielder Billy Gilmour has "a good chance" of being fit for the match against Denmark, according to Naismith. The 24-year-old will miss Saturday's match against Greece due to a groin injury that has sidelined him from Napoli's last two games. Although he is not with the squad in Turkey, Naismith remains optimistic about Gilmour's recovery in time for next week.
"Billy sustained his injury a couple of weeks ago. While there was a discussion about having him join the team, it’s better for him to remain at home and focus on recovery. This approach gives him the best chance to be ready, and it remains a realistic possibility. The risk of rushing him back for the first game when he’s not fully fit could lead to further damage. Allowing him another week increases the likelihood of him being in a strong position for the final match," Naismith explained. "There’s still a good chance he can join us when we return home."