Greece stun Scotland as World Cup qualifiers tighten across Europe
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greece delivered one of the standout performances of the World Cup qualifying round, defeating Scotland 3-2 in Piraeus to keep their campaign alive and shake up Group C.
The hosts surged to a 3-0 lead just after the hour mark, with goals from Anastasios Bakasetas, Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis putting Greece firmly in control. Scotland mounted a late fightback through Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie, but the equaliser never came – even after Bakasetas was sent off in the closing stages.
“It was a crazy game, a crazy night,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke said. “Conceded bad goals, scored good goals … probably a great spectacle for the people watching, but not a good result.”
The loss means Scotland must now beat Denmark in Glasgow on Tuesday to finish top of the group.
Spain maintain perfect record as Turkey chase
Elsewhere, Spain extended their perfect qualifying run with a 4-0 win in Georgia, taking another step toward next year’s tournament.
Mikel Oyarzabal led the way with two goals and an assist, while Martín Zubimendi and Ferran Torres also found the net.
Spain top Group E by three points over Turkey, who kept the pressure on with a 2-0 victory over Bulgaria. Hakan Calhanoglu converted an early penalty, and an own goal from Bulgarian defender Chernev sealed the result.
Turkey can still overtake Spain for automatic qualification, but only with a huge win in Seville on Tuesday.
Belgium stumble, others keep hopes alive
Belgium missed the chance to clinch qualification after a 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan.
Teenager Dastan Satpayev gave Kazakhstan an early lead before Hans Vanaken levelled after the break, but Belgium failed to capitalise despite playing with an extra man for the final 10 minutes.
Other results saw Kosovo beat Slovenia 2-0 to maintain hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearance, Switzerland overpower Sweden 4-1, Wales secure a 1-0 win away to Liechtenstein, and Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat Romania 3-1. Denmark lost the chance to seal automatic qualification early after being held 2-2 by Belarus in Copenhagen.
With AP
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
