PIRAEUS, Greece, 16 November (H.S.): Scotland's hopes for automatic World Cup qualification were dramatically resuscitated on Saturday, not by their own performance in a chaotic 3-2 loss to Greece, but by an astonishing result in Copenhagen. Despite a valiant late comeback after falling three goals behind, Scotland's fate was ultimately saved by an improbable 2-2 draw between Belarus and Denmark, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown against the Danes at Hampden Park on Tuesday.

For much of the evening, the Scottish dream appeared to be in tatters as a defensively frail performance saw them go 3-0 down in Piraeus. Manager Steve Clarke later described his team's defending as a shambles, as Greece capitalized on shocking errors. However, a late surge, sparked by goals from Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie, injected life back into the contest and put the Greeks under immense pressure.

Simultaneously, a major upset was unfolding in Copenhagen, where Belarus, ranked 103rd in the world, came from behind to secure a draw against group leaders Denmark. News of the final whistle in that match filtered through to the Scottish players and the travelling Tartan Army in Piraeus moments after their own defeat, transforming the mood from dejection to delirious relief.

Captain Andy Robertson, reflecting on the bizarre turn of events, expressed his delight despite the loss, stating, Winner takes all at Hampden. Clarke acknowledged the stroke of fortune, admitting Belarus had done them a big favour but stressed his side must believe in ourselves more ahead of the crucial decider. The night ended with Scotland's destiny unexpectedly back in their own hands.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar