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Credit: Imago<\/p>\n
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Sun 12 October 2025 20:00, UK <\/p>\n
Scotland edged ever closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a narrow 2-1 victory over Belarus.<\/strong><\/p>\n Multiple Aston Villa players are currently away on international duty<\/a>, and John McGinn<\/a> is no exception.<\/p>\n The Scotsman has been a regular part of the Tartan Army\u2019s team for years and has rarely let them down.<\/p>\n McGinn had already been heavily praised for his performance against Greece<\/a> in the week, and now, this form has seemingly continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n While plenty of clubs were after McGinn in the summer<\/a>, the midfielder continues to show why Villa chose to keep their captain.<\/p>\n In a tense game against Belarus, the 30-year-old once again showed his ability and experience throughout.<\/p>\n After a nervy second half, Scotland made it 2-0 and were pushing for a third to finish off their Eastern European opponents.<\/p>\n As a result, after picking up the ball on the edge of the box in added time, the Aston Villa<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Watching the match on BBC Scotland<\/a> on 12 October, Steven Thompson was quick to praise McGinn for this moment.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cBrilliant from John McGinn, a wee chop sends the defender with a dummy. <\/p>\n \u201cGets to the byline, stands it up brilliantly, but it was just a bit too high for Bowie to get any purchase on the header.\u201d<\/p>\n How good was McGinn against Belarus?<\/p>\n Despite Scotland\u2019s performance being far from memorable against Belarus, McGinn surprisingly remained one of the standouts. <\/p>\n On Fotmob<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n McGinn had a good game against Belarus <\/p>\n The midfielder also managed to win the most fouls of any other player at three.<\/p>\n Hopefully, coming back from the break, McGinn will be able to continue this run of form at Villa Park<\/a> and help the Birmingham outfit shoot back up the Premier League table.<\/p>\n Enjoyed this article?<\/strong> Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account \u2013 @villanews247<\/a><\/p>\n ![\"John](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/mcginn-1024x731.jpg\")
Credit: ImagoSteven Thompson hails John McGinn\u2019s pass against Belarus <\/p>\n\n
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Credit: Imago<\/p>\n\n John McGinn vs Belarus <\/strong><\/td>\n \n Minutes <\/td>\n 90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shots <\/td>\n 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Passing accuracy <\/td>\n 92%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n xG<\/td>\n 0.13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Expected assists <\/td>\n 0.26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Chances created <\/td>\n 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n