Scotland is on the cusp of achieving its World Cup dream, but a string of good fortune may not be enough to carry them through. With just two games left in their qualifying campaign, the Scots need to conjure up some magic if they're going to make it to Russia next summer.
Their last performance against Belarus was a case in point - a 2-1 win that showed signs of life and promise. Yet, even on such a positive note, there were red flags waving all over the place. "We let ourselves down," said defender Scott McKenna, after a dismal display that left Scotland needing to score several times just to get back into the game.
Andy Robertson summed up the mood perfectly: "It doesn't feel like a win." Steve Clarke's side had stumbled and lurched their way to three points, with goalkeeper Angus Gunn not even playing a club game in months. The team looked patchy and disjointed at times, but they showed enough grit and determination to come out on top.
But now, as Scotland prepare to face Greece, the uncertainty is mounting. Will they be able to replicate their form against Belarus? Can they handle the pressure of the biggest test of their World Cup campaign?
Greece, meanwhile, are struggling to stay afloat in the group table, and their head coach Ivan Jovanovic is under intense pressure. Scotland's players will need to dig deep if they're going to overcome their opponents' desperation.
In short, it's time for Scotland to put their foot down and show they mean business. The World Cup dream is within reach, but only if they can summon the magic of that night in Zalaegerszeg.
Their last performance against Belarus was a case in point - a 2-1 win that showed signs of life and promise. Yet, even on such a positive note, there were red flags waving all over the place. "We let ourselves down," said defender Scott McKenna, after a dismal display that left Scotland needing to score several times just to get back into the game.
Andy Robertson summed up the mood perfectly: "It doesn't feel like a win." Steve Clarke's side had stumbled and lurched their way to three points, with goalkeeper Angus Gunn not even playing a club game in months. The team looked patchy and disjointed at times, but they showed enough grit and determination to come out on top.
But now, as Scotland prepare to face Greece, the uncertainty is mounting. Will they be able to replicate their form against Belarus? Can they handle the pressure of the biggest test of their World Cup campaign?
Greece, meanwhile, are struggling to stay afloat in the group table, and their head coach Ivan Jovanovic is under intense pressure. Scotland's players will need to dig deep if they're going to overcome their opponents' desperation.
In short, it's time for Scotland to put their foot down and show they mean business. The World Cup dream is within reach, but only if they can summon the magic of that night in Zalaegerszeg.