(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

John McGinn hailed for ‘brilliant’ moment in Scotland’s victory over Belarus 

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Scotland edged ever closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a narrow 2-1 victory over Belarus.

Multiple Aston Villa players are currently away on international duty, and John McGinn is no exception.

The Scotsman has been a regular part of the Tartan Army’s team for years and has rarely let them down.

McGinn had already been heavily praised for his performance against Greece in the week, and now, this form has seemingly continued. 

John McGinn in action for Aston Villa
John McGinn is Aston Villa's captain (Credit: Imago)

Steven Thompson hails John McGinn’s pass against Belarus 

While plenty of clubs were after McGinn in the summer, the midfielder continues to show why Villa chose to keep their captain.

In a tense game against Belarus, the 30-year-old once again showed his ability and experience throughout.

After a nervy second half, Scotland made it 2-0 and were pushing for a third to finish off their Eastern European opponents.

  • McGinn won his 81st cap against Belarus
  • Scotland are looking to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
  • McGinn was one of Scotland's standout performers against Belarus

As a result, after picking up the ball on the edge of the box in added time, the Aston Villa man took on two Belarusian players, beating them both, before sending in a wonderful cross to Kieron Bowie who could not trouble the goalkeeper with the header.

Watching the match on BBC Scotland on 12 October, Steven Thompson was quick to praise McGinn for this moment.

Unai Emery slammed his players as "lazy"
Unai Emery chose to keep McGinn in the summer (Credit: Imago)

He said: “Brilliant from John McGinn, a wee chop sends the defender with a dummy. 

“Gets to the byline, stands it up brilliantly, but it was just a bit too high for Bowie to get any purchase on the header.”

How good was McGinn against Belarus?

Despite Scotland’s performance being far from memorable against Belarus, McGinn surprisingly remained one of the standouts. 

On Fotmob on 12 October, the Villa star was awarded a 7.4 rating, one of the highest on the pitch, with his passing accuracy being a highlight.

John McGinn vs Belarus
Minutes 90
Shots 1
Passing accuracy 92%
xG0.13
Expected assists 0.26
Chances created 2
McGinn had a good game against Belarus

The midfielder also managed to win the most fouls of any other player at three.

Hopefully, coming back from the break, McGinn will be able to continue this run of form at Villa Park and help the Birmingham outfit shoot back up the Premier League table.

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John McGinn
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