Scotland vs Greece UEFA World Cup Qualifier: Match preview, predicted XI and previous meetings

Scotland are gearing up for a do-or-die World Cup qualifying match against Greece on Thursday night. Neither of the two teams can afford to lose as they battle it out for a spot in the top two of Group C.

Scotland are currently above Greece in the table, but a defeat would see them drop out of the top two. While a draw would maintain their position for now, a win would put Steve Clarke’s men firmly in the driver’s seat. Can they book their place at the 2026 World Cup?

In their last game, Scotland ran out as 2-0 victors over Belarus. Additionally, they also kept a clean sheet in their previous three international fixtures – can they maintain their gleaming defence record against the Greeks?

Greece, meanwhile, cannot say the same thing – they were picked apart by Denmark in their last game, succumbing to a heavy 3-0 defeat on their own turf. They will need a response against Scotland – or they run the risk of missing out on the World Cup.

Current standings in Group C

Group C	Goal difference	Points
1. Denmark	+3	4
2. Scotland	+2	4
3. Greece	+1	3
4. Belarus	-6	0

Previous meetings between Scotland and Greece

Scotland and Greece have played each other just four times in the past, with their first meeting coming all the way back in 1994. In that game, Stratos Apostolaki scored the only goal of the game as he dispatched a spot kick in the first half.

Since then, Scotland have beaten Greece twice, though the Galanolefki won their most recent encounter. Taking place in March of this year, Greece hammered the Tartan Army by a score of 3-0 at Hampden Park – as such, Scotland will be out for revenge this time around.

Predicted Scotland XI

GK: Angus Gunn

RB: Aaron Hickey

CB: John Souttar

CB: Scott McKenna

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Lewis Ferguson

CM: Billy Gilmour

RW: John McGinn

AM: Scott McTominay

LW: Ben Gannon-Doak

ST: Che Adams

Match prediction

With both teams being unable to afford a defeat at this stage, expect a cagey encounter with neither team looking to commit many players forward early on.

This will benefit Scotland as they need a win less than Greece do, but Steve Clarke’s men could find themselves in trouble if they go a goal down and are required to push up the pitch.

Scotland’s centre-back pairing lacks pace – a simple ball over the top could be their undoing if they are forced to play a high line. Of course, this will not be a factor if Scotland can keep Greece at bay.

Greece are no slouches, but we believe Scotland should have enough grit to hold on and see them off. While Scotland lack Greece’s natural flair up front, they have shown great cohesion at the back in recent months. If they can remain calm and stick to the game plan, they should be able to contain Greece and grind out a narrow win over their Group C opponents.

Final prediction: Scotland 1-0 Greece