The China Mail - Nervy Scotland edge past Belarus to boost World Cup bid

On an evening when Steve Clarke took charge of the national side for a record-breaking 72nd time, striker Che Adams fired the home team ahead in the 15th minute.

Carlos Alos's Belarus had a goal disallowed in the second half for a foul on Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay in the build-up before the Napoli star struck in the 84th minute, finishing from 10 metres.

Belarus substitute Hleb Kuchko reduced the deficit deep into added time but Scotland survived the handful of remaining minutes to earn a vital three points.

Clarke's men now have 10 points from 12 as they prepare to travel to Greece and host Denmark next month to conclude their qualification campaign for next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Scotland, who beat Greece 3-1 last week, top the group ahead of Denmark's match against Greece later Sunday.

But in a qualification section that could come down to goal difference -- 100th-ranked Belarus lost heavily to Greece and Denmark -- the home fans had hoped for more goals and a more fluid performance.

"We've come out with the three points, so that's one small crumb of comfort but the rest of it is a bit of a head scratcher (as to) why we were so poor," Clarke told the BBC.

McTominay echoed the thoughts of the Scotland boss.

"We've had six points, but we've got to have higher standards than this," he said.

"For me, it's difficult to put into words how much quality I see in training and sometimes in games it comes out here and there, but we've got to give more."

Scotland have not reached a World Cup since the 1998 tournament in France.

In total, 16 UEFA nations will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The 12 group winners qualify directly while the four remaining berths are determined by play-offs involving the 12 runners-up.

G.Tsang--ThChM