Scotland completed a promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a two-goal victory against Belarus in neutral Hungary.
While it wasn’t a swashbuckling performance by Steve Clarke’s side, they were patient, professional and well worthy of the three points.
Che Adams opened the scoring just before half-time and an own goal by Zakhar Volkov ensured that Scotland are joint top of Group C after two matches.
The surreal circumstances appeared not to affect Scotland who dominated the ball and did more than enough to get the job done.
Paul Forsyth reviews the performances of Clarke’s team, who now eagerly anticipate upcoming home games against Greece and Belarus next month.
Scotland winger Ben Gannon Doak was quick, positive and able to take on his opponent at will
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Midfielder Billy Gilmour passed relentlessly and offered a goal threat from the edge of the box
Scott McTominay was unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet against Belarus
Angus Gunn – 6
Made a meal of an early passback, but kept the score level by blocking with his body when Ebong burst clear.
Max Johnston – 6
Defensively suspect now and again, but useful going forward. His ability with both feet gave variety to his crosses.
John Souttar – 7
Strong and focused. His terrific clearing header denied the striker when a cross was fizzed across the face of goal.
Scott McKenna – 6
Picked to provide more balance in a high defensive line; occasionally looked a little vulnerable under the long ball.
Andy Robertson – 6
Linked well with Gannon Doak. Delivered a range of crosses, one of which Adams should have converted near the end.
Billy Gilmour – 8
Passed relentlessly and offered a goal threat on the edge of the box. His header across the area forced the own goal.
Lewis Ferguson – 6
Safe, solid and mature in possession. Fortunate to emerge unscathed from a reckless lunge by Kalinin.
John McGinn – 7
Playing wide on the right, his inswinging crosses were a handy weapon. Almost bundled in a third goal.
Scott McTominay – 7
Unlucky that his well-timed runs didn’t produce a goal. Set up the opener, prodded a shot wide and had a header saved.
Ben Gannon Doak – 8
Wide on the left, he was quick, positive and able to take on his opponent at will. Scotland’s best attacking outlet.
Che Adams – 7
Relatively quiet until he slid in and opened the scoring. His chipped pass helped set up the second. Had a late effort saved.
SUBSTITUTES
Christie (replaced Gannon Doak, 74), Hickey (for Johnston, 74), Dykes (took over from Adams, 83), McLean (substituted for Gilmour, 83), Miller (replaced McTominay, 90). Players who remained unused: Kelly, Clark, Hanley, Doig, Hendry, Hirst, Bowie.
Steve Clarke – 7
Drew a patient, professional display from his side. Made the changes needed for a game in which they dominated the ball.
Belarus (3-5-2 formation): Lapoukhov scored 6; Parkhomenko 6, Volkov 6 (Demchenko entered at 72), Zabelin 6; Karpovich scored 6 (Pigas substituted in at 46), Myakish 5 (replaced by Gromyko at 65), Kalinin 6, Ebong 6, Piachenin 6 (Malkevich took over at 72); Malashevich 6 (Melnichenko came in at 46), Barkovski 6.
Referee: N Dabanovic (MNE) 6
