Scotland vs Greece World Cup Qualifier: Ferguson’s Brace Seals 3-1 Comeback
Scotland staged a stunning 3-1 comeback against Greece on October 9, 2025, at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in a World Cup 2026 Group C qualifier. Trailing 1-0 after Kostas Tsimikas’ 62nd-minute opener, Scotland leveled through Ryan Christie’s 75th-minute strike, with Lewis Ferguson adding two more—80th and 90+3—to secure the win. This Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier victory, Steve Clarke’s 50th match in charge, puts Scotland second in Group C, level with Denmark on six points. Greece, with three points, face Denmark next.
Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier was a thriller. From 1-0 down to 3-1 up, Ferguson’s brace turned the tide, boosting Scotland’s qualification hopes.
Greece’s Early Promise
Greece dominated early in the Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier. Vangelis Pavlidis missed a sitter in the 8th minute, unmarked at the back post from Anastasios Bakasetas’ cross. Tasos Bakasetas’ long-range shot forced Angus Gunn’s save, and Pavlidis headed over. “We were on top,” Greece captain Bakasetas said post-match.
Greece’s 48 dot balls in the powerplay stifled Scotland. Tsimikas’ 62nd-minute goal, a low drive past Gunn, gave them the lead. Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier seemed headed for a Greek win, with Clarke’s side struggling for rhythm.
Scotland’s Dramatic Turnaround
Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier flipped in the final 20 minutes. Christie’s 75th-minute equalizer, after a VAR check, came from a deflected shot. “It’s been coming,” Christie said. Ferguson’s 80th-minute strike, a scruffy rebound, made it 2-1. Dykes’ 90+3 goal, from a keeper’s howler by Konstantinos Tzolakis, sealed 3-1.
Clarke, equaling Alex McLeish’s 50-game record, praised, “We fought hard out of possession. The shackles came off after their goal.” Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier victory, their second in three, levels them with Denmark.
Key Moments and Stats
Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier stats show Greece’s 92% possession in the first half, but Scotland’s 18 shots vs Greece’s 9 in the second. Ferguson’s brace, his first international goals, turned the game. Dykes’ winner exploited Tzolakis’ error.
McGinn’s 80th cap added grit. Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier ended with Clarke’s record-tying tenure, with 13 wins in 19 qualifiers since 2019.
Clarke’s Milestone and Group C Standing
Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier was Clarke’s 50th game. “A big win,” he said, tying McLeish. Scotland’s 2 wins from 3 (draw vs Denmark September 6, 2025) put them second, three points clear of Greece. Denmark leads with six points.
Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier boosts morale after a 3-0 playoff loss to Greece in March 2025. “We’re in the mix,” Clarke said.
Greece’s Disappointment
Greece, with three points, need snookers. Tsimikas’ goal couldn’t hold. “We dominated but lost focus,” Bakasetas said. Pavlidis’ misses cost dearly. Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier leaves Greece third, facing Denmark on October 12, 2025.
Looking Ahead: Scotland’s Qualification Push
Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier sets up a must-win vs Belarus on October 13, 2025, in Zalaegerszeg. A win guarantees a play-off spot. Clarke’s “positive return” from six points in two games fuels hope.
In conclusion, Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier on October 9, 2025, was a 3-1 thriller, with Ferguson’s brace stealing the show. Clarke’s milestone win levels Scotland with Denmark. Scotland vs Greece World Cup qualifier promises more drama in Group C.