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Austria wins does not necessarily mean another cup final. Clarke
After his crucial World Cup qualification win over Austria, Steve Clarke defended his Scotland players with passion. He said that "some people don’t believe in this group, but I do".
Lyndon Dykes' penalty at Vienna earned Scotland a 1-0 win, which places Scotland in the play-off position with four games remaining.
After defeat in Denmark and a 1-0 win against Moldova, the squad was criticised.
Clarke stated to Sky Sports that while some people might want to call us "long ball", but they got it down and passed it.
"We deserve a little bit more respect. We have a great team and a great group of players. They are trustworthy wherever we go. We want to be active and on the front foot, and we deserve the credit.
Last Wednesday's Copenhagen game saw Scotland be overwhelmed by Denmark, who won six of the six games.
They lost 2-0 to bottom side Moldova at Hampden. Clarke said that the win in Vienna meant the three-game streak of six days could be considered a success.
Next month Israel will visit Hampden. Scotland knows that a win would give them four points with only three games remaining. The group will then travel to the Faroes, Moldova, and Glasgow before concluding with the Danes visiting.
"We stated that it was a pivotal weeks and we came out with six points. Clarke stated that Clarke believes it is a good return.
"We went to Denmark. Covid was disrupted and injury was disrupted. We lost two goals early on, but we fought hard to find a way back into the game. Although we were criticized and I could not say much about it after the game, Israel lost tonight by five.
"It is a sign that the next cup final will be played. It is important to continue racking up points. We have made progress, but I believe we can improve and we will continue to get better. Tonight is another step in that direction."
