Belarus head coach Carlos Alos has admitted it is not easy for his team to recover from a heavy 5-1 loss to Greece as they prepare to face Scotland in a key 2026 World Cup qualifier on September 8, 2025. The match, set at the neutral ZTE Arena in Hungary due to ongoing restrictions, comes after Belarus trailed by four goals at halftime in their opener, while Scotland earned a solid goalless draw against Denmark.
Belarus Struggles in Opening Qualifier
Belarus kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a tough night in Piraeus, where Greece dominated from the start. Goals from Konstantinos Karetsas, Vangelis Pavlidis, Anastasios Bakasetas, Dimitris Kourbelis, and Christos Tzolis sealed a 5-1 victory for the hosts, with Belarus only managing a late penalty from Hierman Barkouski.
Alos, the Spanish coach in charge since 2023, spoke openly about the defeat during a press conference at ZTE Arena. He noted that his team failed to compete effectively, leading to a quick collapse. This result has left Belarus at the bottom of Group B early on, highlighting defensive weaknesses that Greece exploited ruthlessly.
Experts point out that Belarus has struggled in recent internationals, with a world ranking of 97th reflecting their challenges against stronger European sides. Their form includes a string of losses in friendlies and Nations League matches over the past year, making recovery a steep challenge.
Scotland Builds Momentum From Denmark Draw
Scotland, under manager Steve Clarke, started their qualifiers on a positive note with a resilient 0-0 draw away to Denmark, the group’s top seeds. This point sets them up well for the clash with Belarus, where a win could push them toward the top of the standings.
Clarke has emphasized the need for three points, regardless of performance style, in previews leading up to the game. Scotland’s squad features key players like Scott McTominay, who has a history of scoring crucial goals, including in past qualifiers.
Recent team news suggests possible rotations, with players like Ben Doak and Lewis Ferguson potentially starting to manage fatigue. Scotland’s defensive solidity was evident in Copenhagen, where they kept a clean sheet against a potent attack.
- Scott McTominay: Manchester United midfielder with strong aerial presence.
- Andrew Robertson: Liverpool captain known for leadership and crossing ability.
- John McGinn: Aston Villa star providing midfield energy.
Alos Praises Scotland’s Team Unity
In his comments, Alos avoided naming individual threats from Scotland, instead focusing on their collective strength. He described them as a unit that performs beyond the sum of its parts, even with stars at big clubs.
This approach shows Alos respects Scotland’s tactical discipline under Clarke, who has guided them to back-to-back major tournaments. Belarus will need to improve their organization to counter Scotland’s pressing and counter-attacks.
Alos urged his players to focus on the next game, stressing better competition to avoid another heavy defeat. With Belarus playing without home advantage due to geopolitical issues, the neutral venue adds another layer of difficulty.
Key Stats and Predictions for the Match
Predictions from betting sites and analysts heavily favor Scotland, with odds suggesting a comfortable win. Historical meetings between the two nations show Scotland unbeaten in their last three encounters, including clean sheets in away games.
Here’s a quick look at recent form:
| Team | Last Match Result | Goals Scored/Conceded | World Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus | 1-5 loss to Greece | 1/5 | 97th |
| Scotland | 0-0 draw with Denmark | 0/0 | 39th |
| Greece | 5-1 win over Belarus | 5/1 | 54th |
| Denmark | 0-0 draw with Scotland | 0/0 | 21st |
These numbers underline Scotland’s edge in defense and overall quality. Analysts expect Scotland to control possession and create scoring chances, potentially leading to a 2-0 or 3-1 victory.
Challenges Ahead for Belarus in Group B
Belarus faces an uphill battle in a competitive Group B that includes Denmark, Greece, and Scotland. Their recent thrashing exposes vulnerabilities in defense and midfield, areas Alos must address quickly.
The team relies on players like Valery Gromyko for creativity, but injuries and form issues have hampered progress. Alos, with experience from clubs in Spain and abroad, aims to instill resilience, drawing from his track record of turning around underdog sides.
Looking broader, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers mark a fresh start for many nations, with expanded spots offering hope. Belarus last appeared in a major tournament in the 1990s, making qualification a long shot but not impossible with upsets.
What Fans Can Expect on Match Day
The game kicks off at 19:45 UTC, broadcast on major sports networks. Fans anticipate an attacking display from Scotland, while Belarus might opt for a defensive setup to frustrate their opponents.
Weather in Zalaegerszeg is expected to be mild, around 20 degrees Celsius, favoring a fast-paced encounter. Supporters from both sides have traveled, adding to the atmosphere in the 11,000-capacity stadium.
This qualifier ties into broader trends in European football, where underdogs like Belarus seek to challenge established teams amid rising talents across the continent.
If this article sparked your interest in World Cup qualifiers, share it with fellow fans and drop your predictions in the comments below. Who do you think will come out on top?
