Scotland completed a promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a two-goal victory against Belarus in neutral Hungary.
While it wasn’t a swashbuckling performance by Steve Clarke’s side, they were patient, professional and well worthy of the three points.
Che Adams opened the scoring just before half-time and an own goal by Zakhar Volkov ensured that Scotland are joint top of Group C after two matches.
The game was played behind closed doors at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegersberg due to restrictions imposed on Belarus by UEFA.
The surreal circumstances appeared not to affect Scotland who dominated the ball and did more than enough to get the job done.
Paul Forsyth assesses the individual performances of Clarke’s players, who can now look forward to a double-header at home to Greece and Belarus next month.
Scotland winger Ben Gannon Doak was quick, positive and able to take on his opponent at will
Midfielder Billy Gilmour passed relentlessly and offered a goal threat from the edge of the box
Scott McTominay was unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet against Belarus
Angus Gunn – 6
Made a meal of an early passback, but kept the score level by blocking with his body when Ebong burst clear.
Max Johnston – 6
Defensively suspect now and again, but useful going forward. His ability with both feet gave variety to his crosses.
John Souttar – 7
Strong and focused. His terrific clearing header denied the striker when a cross was fizzed across the face of goal.
Scott McKenna – 6
Picked to provide more balance in a high defensive line; occasionally looked a little vulnerable under the long ball.
Andy Robertson – 6
Linked well with Gannon Doak. Delivered a range of crosses, one of which Adams should have converted near the end.
Billy Gilmour – 8
Passed relentlessly and offered a goal threat on the edge of the box. His header across the area forced the own goal.
Lewis Ferguson – 6
Safe, solid and mature in possession. Fortunate to emerge unscathed from a reckless lunge by Kalinin.
John McGinn – 7
Playing wide on the right, his inswinging crosses were a handy weapon. Almost bundled in a third goal.
Scott McTominay – 7
Unlucky that his well-timed runs didn’t produce a goal. Set up the opener, prodded a shot wide and had a header saved.
Ben Gannon Doak – 8
Wide on the left, he was quick, positive and able to take on his opponent at will. Scotland’s best attacking outlet.
Che Adams – 7
Relatively quiet until he slid in and opened the scoring. His chipped pass helped set up the second. Had a late effort saved.
SUBSTITUTES
Christie (for Gannon Doak, 74), Hickey (Johnston, 74), Dykes (Adams, 83), McLean (Gilmour, 83), Miller (McTominay 90). Not used: Kelly, Clark, Hanley, Doig, Hendry, Hirst, Bowie.
Steve Clarke – 7
Drew a patient, professional display from his side. Made the changes needed for a game in which they dominated the ball.
Belarus (3-5-2): Lapoukhov 6; Parkhomenko 6, Volkov 6 (Demchenko 72), Zabelin 6; Karpovich 6 (Pigas 46), Myakish 5 (Gromyko 65), Kalinin 6, Ebong 6, Piachenin 6 (Malkevich 72); Malashevich 6 (Melnichenko 46), Barkovski 6.
Referee: N Dabanovic (MNE) 6
