Overview
The applause was mixed with the growling as Scotland struggled to win 2-1 against Belarus - the team currently ranked 100th in the world.
It was a night to remember for manager Steve Clarke, who became the captain of the Scotland team with the most matches in history for the 72nd time. But the students' confusing performances have disappointed him more than ever in his 6 years in office.
However, two consecutive home victories against Belarus and Greece have helped Scotland have 10 points, equal to Denmark in the top of Group C. A play-off spot has belonged to Clarke and his team, but the most important goal is still to win direct tickets, thereby ending a 27-year absence from World Cups.
Currently ranked 38th in the world according to the FIFA rankings, Scotland is preparing to enter the fourth confrontation with Greece since the beginning of 2025. In addition to last month's qualifying win, they lost 1-3 to their opponents in the UEFA Nations League in March and won 1-0 away thanks to a penalty from Scott McTominay.
If they continue to win, Scotland will not only maintain their hope of competing for the top spot before the decisive match against Denmark, but they will also extend their away unbeaten streak to 6. This is their best record since a nine-match unbeaten run between September 1999 and April 2001.
Greece's 3-0 victory at Scotland in March was the start of a series of 4 consecutive wins in all competitions. They scored 17 goals, including a resounding 5-1 victory over Belarus in the opening match of the World Cup qualifiers two months ago.
However, the "Sky Blue and White" ambition to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014 quickly collapsed when they lost all 3 recent matches in Group C, conceding 9 goals and falling to third place. Greece are currently 7 points behind the leader while the qualifiers have only 2 matches left.
Currently ranked 48th in the world according to the FIFA rankings, Greece currently only has the goal of completing the 2 qualifying matches in the most positive way. Including a relatively easy away trip to Belarus next week.
In the immediate future, they will try to avoid losing 4 consecutive matches in the World Cup qualifiers - something that has not happened since 2013.
Personnel situation
Jovanovic has called up 18-year-old striker Charalampos Kostoulas, Brighton's €35 million signing last summer.
Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis is likely to be given a starting position, while Kostas Tsimikas, Tasos Bakasetas, Christos Tzolis and Odysseas Vlachodimos will all feature.
Goalkeeper Vlachodimos is looking forward to his 50th match for the national team. However, Greece will be without without constant constantlygrgrants Mavrinosopanos and Fotis Ioannidis due to injury.
On the Scots side, midfielder Lennon Miller (Udinese) and defender Ross McCrorie (Bristol City) have withdrawn due to injury. Napoli's Billy Gilmour was also unable to participate, but hoped to return in time for the match against Denmark.
With goalkeeper Angus Gunn absent due to injury, Clarke could give Craig Gordon a chance. Meanwhile, Falkirk's Scott Bain was called back to the Scotland national team six years after his third cap.
In midfield, McTominay, Ferguson and John McGinn are all good together, while Torino's Che Adams hope to keep their top spot ahead of the competition between Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shaneland.
Expected lineup:
Greece: Vlachodimos, Rota, Restos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas, Zafeiris, Kourbelis, Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis.
Scotland: Gordon, Ralston, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn, Gannon-Doak, Adams, Christie.
The match between Greece and Scotland takes place at 2:45 am on November 16 (Vietnam time).
