Scotland manager Steve Clarke insists his side will keep their composure as they head into a tense World Cup qualifying showdown against Greece in Athens on Friday night.
The squad arrived in Piraeus knowing that just a point at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium would set up a massive, winner-takes-all clash with Denmark at Hampden on Tuesday. For a nation still chasing its first World Cup appearance since 1998, the next few days could prove defining.
Steve Clarke did not shy away from criticising his team after last month’s shaky 2–1 win over Belarus, calling it one of the poorest performances of his tenure. He admitted that Scotland “panicked” against a side ranked 100th in the world, but believes those nerves will not resurface when the stakes rise in Athens.
Urging his players to hit peak level, Steve Clarke said:
“I don’t think we were spooked against Belarus. It happens in football. Sometimes it just doesn’t go for you.
My only concern at the time was that we might drop points in a game we shouldn’t drop points in.
The players knew the stakes were so high last time, which is maybe why they panicked a little bit.”
Steve Clarke believes finding a way to win in difficult moments shows the group’s maturity, but he made it clear Scotland need more.
“We need every player in the squad at 100 per cent. The more players who can bring their A-game, the better chance we have.
The players are in a good place. They’ve got experience of big games now and you have to trust them to get things right on the pitch.”
Despite only needing a draw, Clarke insists Scotland will not adopt a cautious approach.
“My approach is always the same. I prepare my teams to win. If you prepare to win and play as well as you can, most of the time you don’t lose.”
He also stressed he has not thought ahead to Tuesday’s meeting with Denmark, warning that it only becomes meaningful if Scotland get the job done in Athens first.
Goalkeeper dilemma looms
With Angus Gunn unavailable, Clarke faces a key decision over who starts in goal. Craig Gordon has not played for Hearts in six months, but his experience could give him the edge over Liam Kelly and Scott Bain.
Clarke, as always, was tight-lipped:
“You know me, I never talk about the team.
Craig is good, Liam is training great, and Scott’s benefited from playing every week at Falkirk.
I’ll make the decision on who is best for the team on the night.”
Souttar chasing World Cup dream
Defender John Souttar says it would be “a dream come true” to play at a World Cup, especially after being left out of the Euro 2024 squad.
“Of course it was tough to miss out, but football changes quickly.
I’m in a good position now and I’ve played a lot for Scotland over the past year.
We know how big these games are, but we can’t be too emotional. We need to stay calm and stick to the plan.”
Greece boss: We’re still the better team
Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic is adamant his side remain the superior team despite losing 3–1 to Scotland at Hampden last month. Greece have already been eliminated from qualification, but Jovanovic believes recent meetings prove his side’s quality.
Asked who the better team is, he replied firmly:
“Greece. I don’t think there is any doubt.”
Jovanovic pointed to the competitiveness of all three encounters this year—Scotland have won twice, while Greece claimed a resounding 3–0 victory in March.
“We always have respect for Scotland. They are very good. But in the three matches we were a very competitive team.
We won’t change the way we play. We always play to win.”
He dismissed any suggestion of seeking revenge:
“I don’t see football in terms of revenge. Sometimes it’s just details that make the difference.
Scotland have greater motivation, but we’re at home and our players have their own pride. I expect a tough match.”
