Steve Clarke has spent seven years as Scotland head coach, but never has a single game carried so much weight. On Wednesday in Miami, his side face Brazil in a match that could see them reach the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time in the men’s history. A draw would be enough. Even a narrow loss might still be enough to progress from Group C.
The pressure has forced Clarke into some of the toughest selection decisions of his tenure. At the centre of the debate is 20-year-old winger Ben Gannon-Doak, who has been Scotland’s most dangerous attacking weapon in a World Cup campaign low on creativity. He played 75 minutes against Haiti and came on after an hour against Morocco, where he delivered more crosses (three) than any other Scotland player.
“Clarke faces toughest selection calls as Scotland need draw against Brazil to reach first major knockout stage.”
Yet Clarke has questioned the Bournemouth man’s defensive contribution. And with Gannon-Doak lacking game time this season due to injury, he came off with cramp against Haiti and is unlikely to last a full 90 minutes in the sweltering Miami heat. So does he start or remain an impact substitute?
Former Hibernian and Celtic midfielder Scott Allan put it bluntly on the Scottish Football Podcast: “My biggest concern is we just don’t create enough chances. Unless Gannon-Doak is on the pitch, we don’t look like we’re going to hit the byline and get a cross in the box.”
Clarke’s defensive line is also under scrutiny. Centre-back Grant Hanley was at fault for Morocco’s second-minute goal, stepping up to play Ismael Saibari offside but instead letting him in to score. Hanley has been a key figure for Clarke with his experience, aerial ability and consistency. But if Scott McKenna has recovered from his calf issue, he could come into contention.
Former Motherwell and Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday believes McKenna should start. “McKenna would come in for me because I think we need a lot more athleticism at the back than Hanley can give you,” Halliday said on the podcast. “He’s been a fantastic servant for Scotland – 70 caps. But I think there’s better options to play that role.”
Allan, however, would retain Hanley alongside Jack Hendry. “As much as I think Hanley was poor for the first goal against Morocco, after that he did okay. He recovered quite well, defended quite well when crosses came in the box,” he argued.
Midfield reinforcements have arrived in the form of Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie, who came in to bolster the engine room. The game will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live. Whatever Clarke decides, the outcome will define his reign.