Clarke Demands Full Intensity Ahead of Greece Clash
Steve Clarke has warned that every Scotland player must perform at their absolute best to secure the crucial World Cup qualifying results against Greece on Saturday in Piraeus and Denmark at Hampden on Tuesday.
A draw against Greece and a win over Denmark would be enough to send Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998. With Greece already eliminated, all pressure sits on Clarke’s side.
“We need them all at it. We need them all, 100%,” Clarke insisted.
“The more players who bring their A game, the better chance we’ve got.”
Scotland have moved from a warm-weather training camp in Turkey to Athens with no new injury concerns. Clarke says his squad feel calm, prepared, and fully aware of the stakes.
He confirmed he has made his team selection but refused to reveal who will start in goal. Craig Gordon remains the favourite despite not playing competitive football this season.
“As a coach, you always have an open mind,” Clarke said. “Every decision is a big decision when you’re preparing for games like these.”
Focus on Greece Before Denmark Decider
Clarke reflected on the narrow 2-1 win over Belarus, admitting the late struggle left him briefly concerned.
“It happens in football,” he said. “My fear was that we’d drop points and make a mess of things. Thankfully, we avoided that.”
He stressed that he is not thinking ahead to the potential showdown with Denmark.
“We need a positive result in this game first,” Clarke said.
“A draw or a win keeps everything in our hands.”
Meanwhile, Greece coach Ivan Jovanovic maintains his team still has pride to play for, despite their qualification hopes being over.
“I don’t see this as revenge,” Jovanovic noted. “But we respect Scotland. They’re a strong team, and we will give everything for our fans.”
What Scotland Need to Win the Group
- Scotland and Denmark are level on 10 points
- Denmark hold a +6 goal difference edge
- Denmark are expected to beat Belarus at home
- If Scotland beat Greece, the group will likely be decided at Hampden
If Scotland draw in Athens, they must defeat Denmark in Glasgow to top the group.
A loss to Greece would leave Scotland needing an improbable margin of victory in the final match.
What to Expect from Greece
Greek football analyst Stephen Kountourou believes Greece will play a strong lineup and warn Scotland not to underestimate them.
“Our home form hasn’t been great,” he said, “but this is a chance to show the project still has life. Scotland will fancy their chances, but Greece can still make things difficult.”
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