Scotland's Men's National Team is set to clash with Greece in a decisive UEFA Nations League relegation play-off, where both teams are eager to secure their place in the top-tier competition. The first leg of this thrilling encounter will take place on March 20, 2025, at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 PM GMT, and the action promises to be covered live on BBC One Scotland and BBC iPlayer.
The Tartan Army, coached by Steve Clarke, enters the fray after a commendable performance that saw them finish third in Group A1, albeit narrowly missing out on progression to the quarter-finals. They ended the group stage behind Portugal and Croatia but ahead of Poland, leveraging a late winner against Poland in their final group match.
As Scotland steps onto the pitch, expectations are high following their recent successes in the tournament. They managed to win their last two games, showing a promising turn of form after a rocky patch during previous competitions. Clarke's side is now looking to build on that good fortune as they strive to avoid relegation back to League B.
On the other side, Greece is coming off a strong performance in League B, finishing as runners-up in their group. Remarkably, they have been on a winning streak, having secured seven victories out of their last ten matches. Notably, this included a historic win against England at Wembley. The Greek team boasts a solid record in the UEFA Nations League, where they’ve emerged victorious in 16 of their 24 matches—more than any other team in the competition.
This encounter marks the first leg of a two-legged tie, with the return match set for March 23, 2025, at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Both teams will be vying for a strategic advantage heading into the second leg.
Scotland’s confirmed starting XI for the match features goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who, at 42 years old, continues to provide a reliable presence between the posts. The defense will be anchored by Andy Robertson, Grant Hanley, and John Souttar, while Anthony Ralston is expected to provide width on the right flank. The midfield is a familiar configuration with Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, and Kenny McLean, supporting the forward line led by Che Adams. Promising youngsters Lewis Ferguson and John McGinn will be critical as they look to provide offensive support. However, Clarke will have to manage the absence of notable players like winger Ben Doak and striker Lyndon Dykes due to injury. Also, new faces like Lennon Miller, James Wilson, and George Hirst are ready to potentially make their debut.
For Greece, the attacking responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Vangelis Pavlidis, supported by the return of Slavia Prague midfielder Christos Zafeiris, who missed the last fixture due to suspension. Notably, promising talent Kostas Karetsas has switched his allegiance to Greece and is expected to make an impact. The Greek squad aims to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a lead ahead of the challenging trip to Scotland for the second leg.
The excitement surrounding this match goes beyond just league standings; it's an important stepping stone for both nations as they gear up for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign that commences in September. Scotland hopes to build on its European Championship successes in recent years, while Greece is determined to carve out their path back to the top tier after a stunning series of performances.
Overall, Scotland is hoping to showcase its pedigree and maintain its League A status, while Greece's ambitions for promotion into this prestigious group will add another layer of intensity to an already competitive encounter.
Fans are looking forward to a high-stakes clash that beautifully encapsulates the drama of international football. The match will be accessible for viewers across the UK through free-to-air broadcasts, with additional streaming options available via popular services, ensuring that this pivotal play-off is enjoyed by a wide audience.
There is much to prove for both teams, and as the countdown to kick-off begins, all eyes will be on Athens tonight. The Tartan Army will hope to return home with a positive result, while Greece seeks to assert their dominance as they chase promotion in the UEFA Nations League.
