Scotland’s World Cup qualifying fixture dates and kick-off times in full

STEVE CLARKE learned the teams standing in his way ahead of the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Now the Scotland fans have learned where and when they’ll be cheering on the team.

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This morning‘s draw in Nyon pitched the national team in alongside Greece, Belarus and either Portugal or Denmark.

And fans have found out mercifully quikcly before they book up planes, trains and taxis to take them across the continent for the big games.

Sotland will kick off their campaign on the road against the top seeds in the section.

That’ll be an away game at whoever loses the Nations League quarter-final in the spring.

There’s also debate around the away date with Belarus.

Due to the country’s involvement with the conflict in Ukraine, Uefa have imposed sanctions – but given the national team permission to play.

However there’s a set criteria including games at a neutral ground and behind closed doors – putting Tartan Army travel plans on hold for now.

Scotland will also have a double header at Hampden in October.

That’s when Greece and then Belarus come to town.

It’ll be the Greeks’ second visit to to Mount Florida next year – they’re also in the Natioons League play-off with Steve Clarke‘s side for a place in the A League.

The campaign ends with a home match against the as yet undecided opponents.

And the Scotland boss was sitting on the fence when he discussed the draw conducted by several big name ex-players including Gianluca Zambrotta, Robert Pires and Rachel Yankey.

He told Sky Sports: “Could have been worse, could have been better,” when asked for his initial reaction.

He went on: “I’m not really one for looking too deep into draws, you just have to accept what you get and get on with it. Obviously a difficult pot one team, doesn’t matter Portugal or Denmark, it’s difficult.

“Greece we’ll get to know very well over the next year because we play them twice in March and then twice again later in the year, so four games to look forward to against Greece.

“Belarus I don’t know too much about just now but I’ll make sure I do my homework and I’ll know a lot more about them by the time we get to play them.”

He also opened up on the political situation in Belarus and uncertainty over the venue.

He added: “That’s something for the people above me to worry about.

“For me it’s to study Belarus as a team, get to know their players, get to know their formation, get to know how we can possibly pick up the maximum points against them in the group.

“That’s my job. I’ll leave the rest of that to other people.”

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