Lewis Ferguson: Scotland better prepared to take on Greece after March defeat

Lewis Ferguson believes Scotland’s Greek tragedy in March forewarns them for the visit of Ivan Jovanovic’s side in next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.

After bringing back a 1-0 win from Piraeus in the first leg of their Nations League play-off, the Scots were comfortably beaten 3-0 in Mount Florida to relegate Steve Clarke’s side from League A.

Scotland and Greece were drawn in Group C for the World Cup qualifiers and after beating Belarus 2-0 in Hungary on Monday night, the Scots have four points from their opening two qualifiers ahead of the October visits of Greece and Belarus.

Bologna captain Ferguson is confident that lessons had been learned, and the 26-year-old said: “We’ve played them away and at home, so we’ve seen what they’re all about.

“They are a really good side, it will be a difficult game at Hampden, but we’re better prepared this time and just looking to go and get maximum points.

“Of course, they’re the top level side. Greece are a really good team. Everyone seen that the last time they came at Hampden, they turned us over and beat us quite comfortably in the end.

“So we are definitely looking for a different result this time.

“We had to start with two away games, so we’re looking forward to get getting back home to Hampden and hopefully taking maximum points – that’s the aim.

“If we’re going to go to the World Cup, we need to pick up points every game.

“So difficult games again, but this squad is looking forward to it.”

It was a strange evening in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. As a UEFA sanction for the support shown by Belarus to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Belarusians’ games have to take place in a neutral stadium with no supporters, which lent a Covid-style feel to the game.

While the Scots were taking care of Belarus thanks to a goal just before the break from striker Che Adams and an own goal from defender Zakhar Volkov in the 65th minute, Denmark won 3-0 win in Greece which also takes them on to four points but with slightly better goal difference.

The former Hamilton and Aberdeen midfielder assessed Scotland’s performances as: “Good. Professional. The most important thing was three points.

“I think we done that quite comfortably in the end. Clean sheet, which is always good. So that’s the main thing that we set out to do.

“It also made Friday night’s draw against Denmark better. So we’ll take that four points from two tough away games.

“I don’t think it can be underestimated how difficult it was. There was no fans. It felt a bit strange. There’re a difficult team to break down, so we’re real happy.”