Scotland 3–1 Greece: Qualification Hopes Hanging by a Thread

 

A bitter night at Hampden Park saw Greece fall 3–1 to Scotland, a result that severely complicates their path to the 2026 World Cup. The national team not only missed a huge opportunity to consolidate second place but also surrendered it — losing the playoff lifeline that came with it. It was a match where Greece played the better football for long spells but was punished harshly for defensive lapses that proved fatal.

 

 

Manager – Ivan Jovanović: 7
His plan and selections worked. Greece dominated large parts of the game and deserved more. The coach’s tactical structure gave the team control and flow, but defensive inattention cost him everything. No blame on him — his setup was sound; the team simply failed in execution at key moments.

Tzolakis: 4
With Scotland rarely seeing the ball, it seemed a quiet night was ahead. On the first two goals, he was executed from point-blank range and wasn’t at fault — his defense let him down. Unfortunately, his evening ended in disaster, as his mishandled attempt to prevent a corner gifted the Scottish striker the third goal — the final blow to Greece’s comeback hopes.

Mavropanos – Koulierakis: 5
They probably broke their own record for most touches in a match, since Scotland allowed them to circulate possession freely. Yet their dreadful coordination on the first two goals decided the outcome. All their solid build-up play is overshadowed by those moments of defensive failure.

Vagiannidis: 7
Another strong outing down the right flank, full of running and discipline on both ends. Reliable defensively, energetic offensively. He’s gradually making the position his own.

Tsimikas: 8
Arguably his best performance in a Greece shirt. Not only did he score his first-ever international goal — and his first in nearly seven years — but he was a major offensive outlet, creating multiple chances and leading by example.

Kourmpetis: 6
A routine but tidy performance. Controlled his area well, distributed accurately, and recovered possession efficiently. Substituted when Greece needed to go more attacking after the equalizer.

Zafeiris: 7
Immense work rate — covered every inch of Hampden Park. No direct goal involvement, but instrumental in Greece’s midfield dominance and pressing game.

Masouras: 6
Had his moments offensively and nearly opened the scoring in the 50th minute. Took part in the build-up of Greece’s goal but faded slightly after the hour mark.

Tziolis: 7
The driving force of this team once again. Constantly created danger between the lines and, of course, was involved in the goal sequence. Becoming a key figure in Greece’s attacking rhythm.

Bakasetas: 7
The captain put in one of his better performances — composed, influential, and often the link between midfield and attack. Nearly set up Pavlidis with a perfect ball early on.

Pavlidis: 6
His early miss at 8’ will haunt him — a blooper moment — but overall he led the line well, helping Greece impose their play. Effectively registered the assist for Tsimikas’ goal.

Substitutes

Karteras: 6
Nearly became the hero with a stunning effort in the 91st minute, only to be denied by an incredible save from the Scottish keeper.

Konstantelos: 
Had a golden chance to equalize on 82’, but his header betrayed him — aerial ability clearly not his strength.

Ioannidis: 
Claimed a penalty that might have been given on another night. Lively, but luckless.

Mouzakitis & Mantalos: 
Introduced to inject attacking impetus, but the match had already slipped away. No significant impact.