As Scotland strives to solidify its position in the World Cup qualifying campaign, they face Belarus in a match relocated to the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. The game, scheduled for Monday, September 8th at 19:45 GMT, is more than just another fixture; it's a crucial encounter that could significantly impact Scotland's chances of reaching the World Cup.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland and available via the BBC iPlayer, with live audio commentary on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Scotland. Fans can also follow live updates, goal clips, and participate in discussions on the BBC Sport website and app.
Scotland's journey to this point included a hard-fought draw in Copenhagen against Denmark, while Belarus suffered a heavy defeat against Greece, conceding several goals early in the match. Despite a late consolation goal from the penalty spot by German Barkovskiy, Belarus struggled to contain the Greek attack.
The upcoming game marks the fifth meeting between Scotland and Belarus. The key question is whether Belarus poses a significant threat to Scotland's World Cup qualification ambitions.
Historically, Belarus has been a tough opponent, particularly with players like Aleksandr Hleb, who played a pivotal role in their past victories. Hleb's performance in 2005 against Scotland left a lasting impression, and the absence of such a talisman is noticeable. Similarly, the absence of a striker like Vitaly Kutusov, who secured a win in that same game, impacts their attacking prowess.
Nevertheless, Belarus still has capable players, including Valeriy Gromyko and Aleksandr Martynovich, who contributed to Kairat Almaty's victory over Celtic in the Champions League play-offs. Scotland manager Steve Clarke has emphasized the importance of respecting every opponent, and Belarus is no exception.
However, Belarus has faced considerable challenges playing their home matches at neutral venues due to the ongoing geopolitical situation. Their record in these circumstances is less than stellar, with wins only against Andorra and Kosovo in 11 competitive games. During the Nations League campaign, they drew all three matches in Zalaegerszeg against Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and Northern Ireland, indicating a struggle to secure victories away from their true home ground.
Belarus coach Carlos Alos has openly discussed the difficulties his team faces due to the constant travel and lack of home support. The logistical challenges, including visa issues that delayed their journey from Athens to Hungary, add to the adversity. Alos emphasized that renting a home is not the same as owning one, highlighting the importance of playing in familiar surroundings with the backing of home fans. He expressed appreciation for the support received in Hungary but stressed that it does not replace the advantage of playing in Belarus.
The situation underscores the unique challenges Belarus faces, playing under circumstances beyond their control, as they continue to seek a return to normalcy and the opportunity to compete on their own terms.
For Scotland, this match represents an opportunity to capitalize on Belarus's difficulties and secure a crucial victory in their World Cup qualification campaign. However, they must remain wary of a wounded team eager to prove their mettle, despite the odds stacked against them.
