Scotland v Belarus live: Scott McTominay goal and VAR reprieve rescue hosts in crucial World Cup qualifier

(Action Images via Reuters)

Scotland rode their luck against Belarus but goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay helped the hosts take another step towards qualifying for the World Cup with a sloppy 2-1 win at Hampden.

Steve Clarke’s side had the opportunity to rack up crucial goal difference against the 100th ranked side in the world when Adams fired the Tartan Army ahead after just 15 minutes, but a disjointed second half performance left the hosts grateful for all three points.

With Scotland sleepwalking, Belarus thought they equalised when Evgeni Malashevich turned home, but Clarke’s men were granted a reprieve after VAR spotted a foul on McTominay in the build-up.

It was a fortunate break and McTominay doubled Scotland’s lead late on to move them top of Group C – three points clear of Denmark. McTominay’s goal was needed as Gleb Kuchko pulled a soft goal back deep in stoppage time.

Scotland will be guaranteed a play-off spot at the very least if Denmark beat Greece later this evening. Greece, who Scotland visit next month, will be out of contention if they lose in Copenhagen.

Follow live updates from Scotland v Belarus, below

Stop the count!

Scotland may have looked far from World Cup quality tonight, but as we await the result of Denmark’s clash with Greece, they are top of their qualifying group!

A reminder a Denmark win will guarantee the Tartan Army a top-two finish and at least a shot in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

One step closer…

(REUTERS)
Will Castle12 October 2025 20:30

Report: Scotland ride luck against Belarus to take another step towards World Cup qualification

On a night Steve Clarke took charge of the national side for a record-breaking 72nd time, striker Che Adams fired the home team ahead after 15 minutes to give the Scots the interval lead.

Carlos Alos’ side 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 with a finish from 10 yards.

Belarus substitute Hleb Kuchko reduced the deficit in the sixth minute of added time and in a qualification section that might come down to goal difference – Belarus lost by five to Greece and six to Denmark – the Tartan Army had hoped for more goals and a more fluid performance.

Nevertheless, the Scots have 10 points from 12 as they prepare to travel to Greece and host Denmark next month to conclude the quick-fire qualification campaign.

Full report:

Will Castle12 October 2025 20:10

VAR kept busy

There wasn’t a shortage of VAR checks at Hampden Park tonight.

From Che Adams’ initially ruled-out opener, to Scotland’s denied penalty, to Belarus’ chalked off equaliser – the video officials were kept busy.

(Steve Welsh/PA Wire)
Will Castle12 October 2025 19:50

Steve Clarke pulls no punches

“I have to be honest, tonight I was really, really disappointed in my team,” he said. “I don’t think we got anywhere near the levels we can reach and that was really disappointing.

“I’m going to have to have a good look at the two games. The first game, we dug in when it wasn’t going our way. Tonight, the game was far too open and we didn’t control the game without the ball, and we weren’t good enough with the ball.

“Both sides of the ball were wrong tonight.”

(Action Images via Reuters)
Will Castle12 October 2025 19:45

Scott McTominay provides post-match thoughts

“We know every game from now until the end is so important,” McTominay told BBC Scotland.

“It’s been good in terms of points picked up but we know we’ve got to be better than what we’ve shown, everybody does, me included.

“We’ve got to be at a higher standard than this. It’s difficult to put into words how much I see in training and you see that in glimpses on the pitch.

“We know we’ve got such a great team spirit. The manager had every right not to be happy at half-time. We just want to repay him, he’s such a fantastic manager and we want to get to a major tournament.

“We’ve got some spirit because when we went 1-0 down the other night [against Greece] we managed to come back. It’s such a key aspect of a team like ours. Add a little bit of quality and we’ll do well.”

Will Castle12 October 2025 19:30

Know of Katy Perry now, Steve?

Katy Perry anthem “Roar” echoes around an emptying Hampden Park – perhaps a nudge-nudge-wink-wink at Steve Clarke’s comments last week, when he admitted he didn’t particularly care for the fact he was staying in the same Glasgow hotel as the pop star.

Will Castle12 October 2025 19:10

Scotland escape embarrassment with victory against Belarus

(Action Images via Reuters)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(Action Images via Reuters)
Will Castle12 October 2025 19:06

FULL-TIME! Scotland 2-1 Belarus

A collective sigh of relief is puffed out of Hampden Park.

It’s not a performance to be proud of, but Scotland have squeaked to three points against resident group punching bag Belarus.

You wouldn’t have thought Steve Clarke would have taken a tight 2-1 victory before kick-off. He absolutely will now!

Will Castle12 October 2025 19:00

Scotland 2-1 Belarus

90+9 mins: We’ve had the eight minutes. In possession, is there one more chance for Belarus?

Will Castle12 October 2025 18:59

Scotland 2-1 Belarus

90+8 mins: Belarus, under little pressure, are lumping the ball forward as they seek a remarkable recovery.

Scotland have been poor tonight – they’ll take any result.

Will Castle12 October 2025 18:58