The Unusual Venue: ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg

Scotland's crucial World Cup qualifier against Belarus on September 8 will unfold in the ZTE Arena, located in the Hungarian city of Zalaegerszeg. This decision stems from UEFA's sanctions against Belarus, prohibiting them from hosting matches in their homeland due to political reasons.

Why Hungary?

Following the sanctions, the Belarusian Football Association was tasked with finding a neutral venue. They selected Zalaegerszeg, situated 227km from Budapest, known for its state-of-the-art ZTE Arena. This venue will also host Belarus's upcoming matches against Denmark and Greece.

Impact on the Tartan Army

The absence of fans in Zalaegerszeg means the Tartan Army, Scotland's fervent supporters, will miss this game. John Bleasdale of The Tartan Army Magazine expressed disappointment, highlighting the unique atmosphere fans bring, likening it to a '12th man' for the team.

Historical Context and Expectations

Belarus has played three matches at ZTE Arena since the ban, all ending in draws. The lack of a home crowd could influence the game's intensity, potentially offering Scotland an advantage, as they've previously thrived in similar conditions.

How to Follow the Game

Fans can catch all the action live on BBC and iPlayer, with additional coverage on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds, ensuring no one misses this pivotal qualifier.

Looking Ahead

This match is a critical juncture in Scotland's World Cup qualifying campaign, setting the stage for their subsequent games against Denmark and Greece.