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The day following the previous night, former Scottish strikers Billy Dodds and James McFadden reflected on the events of Saturday and speculated about the upcoming Tuesday showdown, where the national team will face Denmark in a crucial winner-takes-all qualifier at Hampden.
In a match they believed they needed to win or at least draw to maintain their chances for automatic World Cup qualification, Scotland fell short with a 3-2 loss in Greece.
However, Belarus’ unexpected 2-2 draw in Copenhagen means that if Steve Clarke’s squad defeats the Danes, they will still secure the top spot in Group C.
Destiny seems to be favoring Scotland considering some of the fortunate breaks they’ve experienced throughout this campaign. Will luck smile upon them once more?
What went awry in Piraeus?
How did Scotland begin so poorly yet finish with such intensity?
"Could it be that we were in a mindset that a draw was acceptable, leading to a more cautious approach?" Dodds speculated.
"Perhaps the hesitation emerged from what we required from the match, but ultimately we recognized our desperation at the end and almost achieved it – though it didn’t truly matter in the end.
"It all comes down to energy and belief. That's when we shine. We need to be willing to take risks."
McFadden believed that “poor defending” and a sense of “nervousness” stemming from prior encounters with Greece played a significant role in the dramatic defeat on Saturday.
"I felt our pressing was inadequate," he remarked. "They easily maneuvered in the spaces they desired, while we failed to hinder them.
"The gaps between the defense, midfield, and attack were too wide for the pressing to be effective. However, the second half began on a much better note with more aggression, and we pushed more players forward.
"Take a look at Andy Robertson’s assist for Ryan Christie's goal. Earlier in the match, he likely would have turned back, as the ball wasn’t ideal, bouncing around.
"Earlier, John McGinn wasn’t advancing, Scott McTominay wasn’t pushing forward. We perform best when McGinn is attacking, when McTominay is making runs into the box, and when Robertson is overlapping to deliver crosses.
"For reasons unknown, our last three matches have not reflected that."
After the game, Clarke stated that "we need to have more belief in ourselves."
"I’m uncertain why they lack self-belief, given the players we know they can be," McFadden said, recalling the struggle to secure a win against Belarus at Hampden.
"I can't tell if it's simply a lack of belief or confidence, but when you observe players performing in ways that aren’t typical for them, questions arise about whether some of these players need replacing.
"Could it be that the significance of the World Cup brings about a genuine fear of failure?"
Will Clarke implement adjustments?
Considering Scotland's near-miss in mounting a dramatic comeback against Greece, Dodds believes Clarke will likely "maintain the same formation" but "could adjust a few players" for the match against Denmark.
"The uncertainties likely pertain to the striker position and possibly a center-back," he proposed. "It could be [Scott] McKenna taking the place of Grant Hanley to inject some pace and advance our play."
McFadden wouldn't be taken aback if McKenna steps in for Hanley, who he felt appeared "quite uncertain" during the match in Greece, but he believes that Clarke will continue to rely on Che Adams at the forward position.
Billy Gilmour, having been sidelined for a few matches with his club due to injury, remained in Napoli for rehabilitation, and Scotland is waiting for updates on whether the midfielder can participate against Denmark.
"He hasn't been integrated into the squad or the camp, so they will conduct a single training session," McFadden shared. "I would be surprised if he starts, but it wouldn't shock me if the formation was altered.
"He achieved some success utilizing the 4-4-2 system in Copenhagen with [Lyndon] Dykes and Adams. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a back three or a 5-4-1. Any formation is possible."
Denmark faced significant backlash from fans after their stalemate with Belarus, and head coach Brian Riemer expressed his anger over their display, while a stomach bug within their team raises concerns it may spread further.
Dodds hopes this will instill a "negative feeling" in the visitors as they approach the match in Glasgow.
"Whether it's dropping points against Belarus or dealing with illness, there's uncertainty present," he noted. "Surely this must work to our advantage. We need to capitalize on that."
Expect a remarkable atmosphere at Hampden
Dodds and McFadden have experienced similar situations as players and have witnessed the excitement leading up to vital qualification matches for the national team.
McFadden recalls the "remarkable" atmosphere during clashes with the Netherlands in 2003 and Italy in 2007.
"I anticipate it will be comparable this time, with the buildup, the excitement, and the reality that winning will secure a spot in the World Cup," he remarked.
"When have we last encountered an opportunity like this at Hampden? There might be a few absentees on the day of the match and the day following it.
"I missed a crucial chance in that Italy game, and it still lingers in my mind."
Dodds also holds some painful memories, particularly regarding the playoff against England in 1999.
"The atmosphere during the national anthems was extraordinary," he recalled. "The English national anthem was completely drowned out."
David Seaman was hit, and the ball ricocheted off the crossbar and fell right onto the goal line. I often ponder 'what if', 'what if'.
His message to the class of 2025? "Don’t think that you haven’t made your presence felt," Dodds remarked. "Don’t feel like we didn’t play a role in the match."
'It just feels like it's our moment'
McFadden highlights that it's not the Netherlands, Italy, or England blocking Scotland's path this time.
"Denmark is a competent team, but they aren’t among the top teams globally," he noted.
McFadden confesses he worries because "the recent showings have not been strong".
"We managed to defeat Greece 3-1 and won against Belarus, so I found it hard to feel negative or critical, especially when securing victories," he shared. "However, I sensed that if we maintained that level of play, we wouldn’t achieve the wins we require."
Nevertheless, McFadden feels that the attitude will differ from "the unusual situation" in Greece, where "the focus was solely on securing a draw".
"When Greece was ahead 3-0, there was a moment when you thought, 'Alright, let’s prepare for the play-offs'. There’s a sense that something is in our favor, and it’s hard to explain, but it simply feels like this is our moment.
"We need to adopt a positive outlook – let’s aim for greatness. We always have one standout performance in each campaign, and we haven't delivered it yet – maybe we’re reserving it for Denmark."
Dodds also expresses confidence that Scotland will seize their opportunity this time.
"The reward waiting for you at the end will fuel your motivation, resolve, and confidence," he stated. "It seems like fortune favors us."
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