Scotland’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Belarus at Hampden Park has kept their qualification hopes alive, but the performance left much to desire and sparked significant media reaction, particularly regarding captain Andy Robertson and the team’s overall display.

The match, described by media as “hard-fought,” saw Scotland struggle to impose themselves against a Belarus side considered one of the group’s weakest teams. While the result was ultimately positive, the manner of the win—nervy and unconvincing—drew criticism from pundits and fans alike. The Tartan Army’s reaction at full-time included audible boos, reflecting dissatisfaction with what many saw as a below-par effort.

Much of the post-match analysis focused on the performance of Robertson, who has been a consistent leader for his country. Despite being a key presence in defense, his overall contribution was seen as mixed, with media outlets noting that he failed to inspire the team to a more dominant performance. While his defensive work was generally solid, Scotland’s lack of attacking impetus and composure under pressure was a talking point. Robertson himself admitted publicly that the victory did not feel like a proper win, indicative of the performance issues[5]. This sentiment was echoed by national team manager Steve Clarke, who described the display as the most disappointing in his 72-game tenure[3].

The media consensus is that, while the three points are crucial, significant improvement is needed if Scotland are to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. With upcoming matches against Greece and group leaders Denmark, pressure is mounting on Robertson and his teammates to deliver a more convincing performance. The captain’s ability to galvanize the squad will be pivotal as Scotland enters the decisive stage of the qualifying campaign.