World Cup qualifiers: Scotland fans verdict after Belarus win

It was another win for Scotland. It was another step towards the 2026 World Cup. It was another unconvincing performance.

Belarus were beaten 2-1 at Hampden Park, but there was very little in the way of attractive, fluent football from Steve Clarke's men.

A World Cup play-off is assured and the chance for automatic qualification for next year's tournament is possible, but it was hardly thrill-a-minute.

So how did the fans view Scotland's latest World Cup qualifier?

Ian: Scotland usually play better when they're the underdogs - being regarded as the better team seems to put the shackles on them.

They don't seem to want the ball enough or players don't fill the space to receive the ball. Very defensive all the time, we need to learn how to command the play.

I knew this game was going to be hard and they came with the 'nothing to lose' mentality and got into us and our heads with the press. Playing with one up top looking to put crosses in early offered not much hope. Slightly better second half.

John: This game showed the lack of quality and inspiration. Poor passing and inability to retain possession. The final pass into the opposition box lacked any finesse or purpose.

Alan: Scotland look completely pedestrian compared to the teams we are playing against. It is the running off the ball coupled with quick, sharp passing and distribution that is completely missing.

Most other teams look like they have an extra man on the pitch and that is down to our lack of movement and lack of overall pace. The manager needs to really increase the tempo and work rate of this team, as they have players who can play that way for their club teams.

Alanski: Dreadful. Played like strangers. No coherence. Clarke may be angry but he's responsible. It's Hungary all over again, but even worse. Play like that in Greece and we will get hammered.

Alan: Steve Clarke is too loyal to players that are under performing or too old or just not up to playing international games.

He is the longest-serving manager and the team selections have hardly changed in that period. He needs to drop some of his friends and pick players that are on form and playing well for their clubs week in, week out.

Jim: The blame for this insipid performance lies squarely at the door of the manager. Scotland at home against a poor team, leaking goals and we field a team with one striker and continue to play sideways and backwards football.

From kick-off we showed our intentions and mindset by making eight passes across a back four. One long ball aimed at the opposing goalposts would have got the crowd roused and unnerved the opposing defence. The manager and the team should have watched Northern Ireland's win against favourites Slovakia to see what a change of approach and style can positively do for a team.

I do not agree it is just about results - we want to be entertained as well. More Gannon-Doak, less trying to play out from the back.

Gordon: Clarke has to start playing players who are in form and playing in their club's first team. There are better goalkeepers than Angus Gunn, better full-backs, midfielders and definitely better wingers and strikers - but they are just blanked.

Ignoring in-form players for players that are coming to the end of their careers or just unable to play to international level for Scotland need to be dropped. Loyalty is an admirable thing but not to the detriment of our national team. These in-form players deserve their chance and that's what Scotland fans also deserve.

Alan: Anyone who thinks we can get past Denmark is optimistic bordering on delusional. I can see us getting beaten by Greece and Denmark, then the play-offs - with the usual outcome. People will say results matter, but luck runs out sometime and pedestrian Scotland will get swept aside.

Michael: Everyone moaning about performances needs to get a grip. We haven't qualified since 1998 and are in with our best chance since then. We're getting results and that's all that matters.

Stuart: Scotland were the first European team to be mathematically eliminated in 2014 World Cup qualifying. Look it up. To turn that round to now have a play-off spot with two games to spare is incredible.

In the Nations League last year, the criticism was that we had good performances but didn't convert that to good results. Give me good results over performances every day. Maybe there are more steps to take, but don't forget how far we've come.

Tom: All that matters at this stage is the result. Now, onwards and upwards!

Malcom: Any manager who wins while not playing at their best would be happy! How many times when we were the better side did the other side take the points? Now it's our turn.

Greece are out, so playing them may be easier now and it will come down to us at home to Denmark. Scotland's defence is strong enough and on a good day we have beaten Spain - so there is always half a chance with Clarke's teams.

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