Scotland are preparing for their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with Steve Clarke’s side determined to make history by finally reaching the knockout stages for the first time ever.
After a 28-year absence from football’s biggest tournament, the Scots head into the expanded 48-team World Cup carrying renewed belief that they can end decades of major tournament frustration.
Scotland have failed to progress beyond the group stage in all 12 of their previous appearances at major tournaments, but the new tournament format has opened the door for a potential breakthrough despite a challenging Group C draw.
A crucial opening clash against Haiti in Boston is already being viewed as a must-win encounter before tougher fixtures against African champions Morocco and five-time world champions Brazil.
With eight of the 12 best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32, a convincing victory over Haiti could prove decisive for Clarke’s men, even if results against Morocco and Brazil do not go their way.
For senior figures such as Liverpool captain Andy Robertson, Aston Villa skipper John McGinn and Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, the tournament could represent their best and perhaps final opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the world stage.
The experienced trio have been instrumental in Scotland’s resurgence, helping the national side qualify for three major tournaments in the last five years following a 23-year absence from international competition.
However, disappointment followed qualification for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, with Scotland exiting both tournaments without recording a single victory.
“We've been to two major tournaments. This will be our third and hopefully the experience of the boys that have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we'll do something that no Scottish team has ever done before,” Clarke said while announcing his squad.
Scott McTominay’s spectacular overhead kick in the 4-2 win over Denmark that sealed qualification has already become part of Scottish football folklore, even earning a place on a commemorative Scottish banknote.
Goals are expected to once again come from McTominay and McGinn, with Scotland lacking proven international strikers heading into the tournament.
There are also concerns in goal, where 43-year-old Craig Gordon remains in contention to start despite limited appearances for Hearts this season.
Former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh believes the squad’s experienced core will be vital if they are to finally break their knockout-stage curse.
“I know it will be difficult, but if they could replicate the way they played against Denmark in the final qualification, they will certainly have a good chance,” Roxburgh told AFP.
“We can be optimistic here that they can achieve, for the first time, qualification to the knockout phase.”
While Scotland’s squad is one of the oldest at the tournament, with only five players under the age of 26, exciting youngster Ben Gannon-Doak could provide the spark Clarke’s side needs.
The 20-year-old Bournemouth winger is expected to play a key role with his pace, creativity and attacking flair offering Scotland a different dimension in the final third.
“My whole generation doesn't really remember it and now we get to lead our country to a World Cup. It'll be one of the proudest things I've ever done in my career,” said Robertson.
“We've been very fortunate to qualify for two Euros, but the World Cup is a step up from that.”
The Tartan Army will now hope this Scotland generation can finally deliver a World Cup campaign to remember.
