Scotland 2-1 Belarus Player Ratings: Key Finishes, Gannon-Doak Tips & Defensive Errors
Scotland 2-1 Belarus Player Ratings: Key Finishes, Defensive Errors, and Areas for Improvement
Scotland narrowly secured a victory against Belarus, a result which keeps their World Cup qualification hopes alive. Goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay pushed Scotland’s tally to 10 points after four matches. Despite the win, the performance was uninspiring, with the team struggling against the lower-ranked opponents and feeling a sense of relief once the final whistle blew at Hampden Park.
A late goal by Belarus substitute Hleb Kuchko highlighted Scotland’s defensive vulnerabilities, which included sluggish and careless play throughout the match. To reach next summer’s finals in North America, Scotland will need to significantly improve in upcoming away fixtures in Greece and at home against Denmark.
Player Ratings
- Angus Gunn (6): Largely untested, helpless in the final moments when Belarus scored. A careless pass earlier went unpunished.
- Anthony Ralston (5): Competent in possession but exposed by balls behind his defense. Not tight enough with Hendry.
- Jack Hendry (5): Assisted Adams’ goal with a sharp pass, but lapses in concentration could be costly against tougher opponents.
- Scott McKenna (6.5): Solid defensively, winning most duels and using his physicality well.
- Andy Robertson (5): Limited forward runs; caught out twice, once for a disallowed goal and again for Belarus’ consolation.
- Billy Gilmour (6.5): Maintained possession with quick, short passes but lacked threat in dangerous areas.
- Kenny McLean (6): Steady but lacked dynamism; threatened minimally with a weak shot.
- Ben Gannon-Doak (7.5): The brightest performer, constantly spinning away from opponents and beating markers, though decision-making let him down.
- Scott McTominay (6): Quiet for most of the game, but scored late with a left-footed finish from inside the box.
- John McGinn (5.5): Out of his usual influence, with a decent shot parried by the goalkeeper.
- Che Adams (7): Scored the crucial opening goal with a clinical finish and impressed with his touches, though a second disallowed goal was offside.
Substitutes and Coach
Substitutes included Tierney, Souttar, Miller, Dykes, and Bowie, used late in the match. Coach Steve Clarke received a score of 5, amid questions over tactical choices, including the midfield setup and delayed substitutions.