Christie & McGinn goals earn Clarke first away win
Efrem had levelled after early effort hit bar and bounced down on line
Scotland beat Cyprus 2-1 in June
Dundee Utd go nine clear in Championship
Cyprus 0-0 Scotland
Cyprus come so close to opening the scoring with a shot off the crossbar. Georgios Efrem picks up the ball in the box, jinks past Scott McKenna and fires a shot towards goal that crashed down off the bar and looks to have bounced over the line but the referee hasn't given it.
Cyprus 0-0 Scotland
Cyprus are making a bid to dictate the pace of the game and Scotland seem relatively comfortable letting them have it. It seems as though Steve Clarke has set the midfield up to try and win the ball back as quickly as possible in the middle of the park and then break with speed.
Cyprus 0-0 Scotland
Scotland begin as they undoubtedly mean to go on with Forrest dancing down the left flank before winning a corner. It doesn't come to much but the away support will undoubtedly appreciate the quick start.
Cyprus 0-0 Scotland
And we're underway in Cyprus!
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Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Image source, BBC SportCyprus v Scotland (14:00)
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Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Keir Murray
BBC Scotland in Nicosia
Image source, BBC SportWe can’t be sure if Scotland have suddenly caught the imagination of the Cypriots, but by the looks of the queue for tickets it appears there’s a late surge in interest in the team seeking to climb above them in the table. Some Scotland fans in there too.
Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Scotland may fancy their chances in Cyprus, however the national team's away form in competitive games hasn't exactly been exceptional over the last two or three years. Could day be the day that we turn that around?
Image source, BBC SportCyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on Sportsound
Quote MessageSteve Clarke said there is evidence his squad has improved and that's not proven yet for me. I think if we go and take care of these two games then he can say the results have improved. We've got to get the momentum going into the play-offs - two wins would put the fans in the right frame of mind, that's why these games are so crucial.
Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Unfortunately, Scotland can no longer qualify for Euro 2020 through their qualifying group. However, that doesn't make the two remaining games entirely meaningless.
Aside from building up momentum and form ahead of the play-off games in March, Scotland also have a superb opportunity of claiming third place in the group.
This will enhance our chance of slotting in to pot three for 2022 World Cup qualification campaign and could help us avoid some tought opponents in the future.
Image source, BBC SportCyprus v Scotland (14:00)
In typical Tartan Army fashion, the Scotland national team will have the full support of travelling fans in the away end today.
Ahead of the match, BBC Scotland spoke to some fans about the current state of the national team and whether this game actually matters all that much.
Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Image source, SNSCyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland in Nicosia
Quote MessageLovely day in the Cypriot capital as Scotland prepare for their penultimate Euro 2020 qualifier. It may be meaningless in terms of qualification but it still has a “must-win” feel about it for Steve Clarke as the Scots look to recover some pride and build momentum ahead of the play-off semi-final in March.
Image source, BBC SportCyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Image source, BBC SportHearts striker Steven Naismith will earn his 50th cap today and captain the team in the absence of injured left-back Robertson.
Although the 33-year-old striker has had very little game time for the Tynecastle side, he is by far the most experienced player in Steve Clarke's squad.
"I've been on 49 for a while now," he told BBC Scotland. "So I've had time to think what it would mean, but throughout my Scotland career, I have felt grateful rather than having the expectation of getting there."
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Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Neil McCann
Former Hearts & Rangers winger on BBC Sportsound
Quote MessageDeclan Gallacher is mobile, good on the ball, and the two centre-backs are very good in the air and attack the ball. I like the look of the team, and I'm really pleased Ryan Jack is in there - he's got something I think we've missed since Scott Brown. A real winning mentality.
Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Radio Scotland
Quote MessageI can understand Steve Clarke giving Declan Gallagher an opportunity, but I'm not sure of the timing. This is the last couple of games before the playoffs. I thought Mikey Devlin would have a shout there. Devlin and Scott McKenna can be seen week in and week out - I think that would be my two centre-backs going into these games. I'd be looking to get a bit of continuity.
Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Cyprus v Scotland (14:00)
Image source, BBC SportCyprus v Scotland (14:00)
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