FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers
Scotland v Faroe Islands
Wednesday, 31 March 2021, kick-off 7.45pm
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Scotland face Faroe Islands in the third and final fixture of the March international window.
Following consecutive draws with Austria and Israel, Steve Clarke’s side will be eager to pick up a first win in Group F and round off an unbeaten start to the qualification campaign.
However, Faroe Islands have shown their ability to go toe-to-toe with other nations in the group, taking the lead against Austria on Sunday night before falling to a narrow 3-1 defeat.
Team News
Steve Clarke made three changes to his team against Israel from the 2-2 draw against Austria, handing a first Scotland start to Che Adams, who provided the assist for Ryan Fraser’s equaliser on Sunday night, another player introduced to the starting line-up.
The manager also included Callum McGregor back in midfield, replacing Stuart Armstrong who was named on the bench.
With a win vital for Scotland, Clarke could make another few changes on Wednesday night, particularly given the shift to a back four for the much-improved second-half against Israel.
Previous meetings
Though Scotland have never lost to fifth seeds Faroe Islands, Steve Clarke and his players will be wary of any slip-ups, with the island nation twice having dealt a blow to Scotland’s qualification hopes in the past with draws.
The sides last met in a friendly in 2010 when Scotland won 3-0 at Pittodrie.
Danny Wilson opened the scoring from six yards in that encounter, 24 minutes into his first senior international appearance. Kris Commons doubled the Scots' lead on 31 minutes before Jamie Mackie finished the scoring with a close-range finish.
Pre-match thoughts
Steve Clarke is well aware that every opponent in the group will be a tough encounter.
Following back-to-back draws, the manager admitted it is hard to say whether or not these can be perceived as good results or not.
One thing is for certain, to be trailing in both matches and avoid defeat shows character – but the manager will be eager to see that transition in to three points on Wednesday night.
He said: “I can’t look into the future, I can’t tell if it’s two good points or whether we have dropped four points and it’s going to be costly. It’s very difficult to tell.
“If we beat the Faroes midweek which we have to look to do, we have to play well and respect the opposition because they are no mugs. Every game at international level now is difficult. Spain scored in the 93rd minute to beat Georgia, Malta drew at Slovakia and Luxembourg beat the Republic of Ireland.”
Match programme
With no fans in attendance, you can reserve your copy of the official match programme as Steve Clarke’s men look to maintain their perfect record on home soil against the side 102nd in the FIFA World Rankings.
The 48-page perfect-bound collectors' edition can be pre-ordered now for £4, plus £0.99 post and packaging to a UK address. Overseas deliveries will incur an increased P+P charge, which will be calculated based on the delivery address provided.
Where can I watch
The match, kicking-off at 7.45pm, will be live on Sky Sports Main Event. The game will be available on Sky Go for subscribers and Now TV passes are also available to watch the game.