Archive September 5, 2025

Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign is now “good,” according to head coach Steve Clarke, but they will need to keep up the high standard of performance that caused them to draw in Denmark in the opening game.

In the first of six matches, the Scots won, hoping to qualify for the next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a goalless draw in Copenhagen.

Belarus, who lost their opener 5-1 to Greece, will face Clarke’s side on Monday, live on the BBC, before both teams travel to Hampden in October, along with a trip to Greece and a visit from the Danes in November.

Scotland have made a positive first step in putting an end to their long, angst-ridden run despite not hosting a men’s World Cup since 1998.

“A World Cup trip is not simple. Every single time, you must leave everything on the pitch. The players are all burst, and there isn’t much left.

“I believe Greece, Denmark, and ourselves can battle it out.” Belarus possess the ability to surprise someone. We just hope it’s not us.

With a back four and Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams both starting, Clarke changed his team’s configuration to suit the Danes.

The head coach recalled the humiliating 2-0 defeat in Copenhagen during the previous World Cup qualifying campaign as evidence that part of the thinking was to match Denmark’s physicality.

He said, “I can recall being camped in for almost the entire first time we came here.” We therefore identified one or two things that might help us advance the pitch.

I believe I’ve always made an effort to be flexible. Although I don’t get the headlines for it, you can occasionally be forced to adapt to the opposition, which it proved tonight.

Willie Miller, a former Scotland defender, said: “It was difficult fought. Everyone did a great job, and the organization was excellent. The forwards made a very effective defensive defense. We weren’t ever, in my opinion, ripped open at any time.

In a back four, Grant Hanley is now a favorite. You must give it to him because I thought he was outstanding. He was never exposed.

Peter Lovenkrands, a forward for Rangers and Denmark, said, “Scotland were content to sit back and fight it out.” Denmark was so put off by them.

Michael Stewart, a former Scotland midfielder, recalls “those first few games Angus Gunn played for Scotland.” He got close to them and held it well beyond that late punch. His overall performance was excellent.

G. A. Simpson: Clarke’s obedient conservative perspective. There is no pace in the first half of Adams and Dykes, despite their potential adventure. Given that they appeared jittery at the back, Dykes and Doak would have exposed the Danes to more risk and potential for clear cut chances. Nevertheless, a strong defensive performance. A good point, overall.

Keith, a great way to introduce ourselves. Yes, we didn’t engage in exciting attacking football, but we did play to our best advantage when facing a top-flight team. Significant difference between the team and Hickey and Dykes. Everyone contributed, and it only needs three points to win against Belarus to qualify as a double header.

I was anticipating a thrashing tonight, but it seems like Clarke can’t do it. I agree with Martin, but it seems like they’re doing it with some people.

In the fourth round of Dublin’s 3Arena on Friday, Michael Conlan yelled “I’m back.” He had to stop Jack Bateson before the final round.

With 10 seconds left in the round, the 33-year-old Belfast man won the vacant WBC International featherweight title and improved to 20-3. He dropped a stunning right hand to stop the Yorkshireman.

Conlan impressed from his first fight against Asad Asif Khan in March, which he had won in the second round of a comeback.

Bateson appeared to be asking a few questions in the opening round, but despite appearing unimpressed by a flash knockdown in the third, she struggled to recover from the finish line, whose record dropped to 202-1.

Conlan stated to Channel 5 after his victory that “it was everything we worked on during training camp.”

“I want to give (coach) Grant Smith my absolute best thanks. He welcomed me into that Sheffield gym, introduced me to family, and made me feel at home. He serves as a master technician as a coach, and everything he said, did went well, and the result was a triumph.

Conlan, who was competing professionally in his first professional fights in Dublin, showed some of his silky switch-hitting prowess from his earlier, amateur victories in the city ten years prior.

Bateson continued to use his feet sparingly and appeared to have settled in the hostile surroundings. Despite taking a flush right, the Leeds man landed with one of his own.

Conlan crouching and shooting downstairs made it a cagey second, but the visitor was disciplined and did not take the early break, his footwork making him difficult to pin down.

In the third, Conlan made a significant breakthrough when Bateson was forced to count against the canvas while his gloves grazed the canvas. A short right hand also landed in the process, which appeared to be a result of a tangle of legs.

In the fourth inning, Conlan’s sharp jab unlocked the door, opening a huge right hook that had already slammed against Bateson. The visitor was able to shake off the fight, but he was successful in bringing him to his feet.

Conlan praised his decisive victory, saying, “It’s very special.

Conlan was not avoiding the “win or bust” territory he was in during the build-up, but he also needed to make a statement to demonstrate his ability to advance to the big fights he craves.

With the speed and power to close the show whenever the opportunity arises, he did exactly that, with distance control on point.

Although he was 16 months out of the sport, his return in March against Asad Asif Khan was always going to be a rusty performance, and Bateson’s fight would give a more accurate picture of what was still in the tank.

After passing this hurdle, he will now attempt another one that could put him on the verge of a third shot at a world title. With their International Belt in his possession, he may also now enjoy a favorable ranking with the WBC, which will benefit his cause.

Big fights are on the horizon, according to his promoter Kalle Sauerland, who names Josh Warrington, Leigh Wood, a former super-featherweight champion and the winner of Cristobal Lorente and Nathaniel Collins’ upcoming European title fight next month.

Conlan’s confidence is now likely to be flying high following Friday’s emphatic victory, so a fight in that area seems appropriate.