The tunnel at the Stade de France. Ronaldo standing next to you. Reality kicks in. For Darren Jackson, that moment in 1998 remains frozen in time. Now, a new generation of Scottish players will experience their own version of the same surreal dream.
Scotland return to the men's World Cup this weekend for the first time in 28 years, facing Haiti in a Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, kicks off at 2am UK time (9pm local on Saturday, June 13). It will be broadcast live on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer.
“Scotland end 28-year men's World Cup absence against Haiti in Group C opener; match live on BBC One.”
This is uncharted territory for every one of Steve Clarke's 26-man squad. A large proportion have European Championship experience, but none have played on the biggest stage. For a whole generation of Scots—players and fans alike—who grew up without their home nation at a tournament, there is no need for a second team this time.
Former Scotland internationals Paul Lambert, Darren Jackson and Rachel Corsie all used the same word to describe the experience: surreal. "It feels like endless build-up," Lambert said. "Then, when you're selected, that's when it really sinks in that you know the summer could be the greatest tournament for the national team."
Corsie, who captained Scotland at the women's finals in 2019, recalled the stress of the build-up. "You're like, I want to be in the best condition of my life," she said. "I don't want to get hurt, I want to get selected... there's so many things that you're thinking and you just think, I just want us to get there."
Jackson, who didn't make his international debut until 28, said it wasn't until he lined up against Brazil that things felt real. "When you're standing in the tunnel and the guy standing next to you is Ronaldo, reality kicks in."
Clarke has been boosted by the return of Scott McKenna, who had been absent from training but whose issue is not considered serious. The manager has plenty of midfield options, including Scott McTominay and John McGinn. Haiti, meanwhile, have no current injury issues and will rely on key stars Wilson Isidor, Ricner Bellegarde, and goalkeeper Johny Placide.
This marks the first time in football history that these two senior national teams have faced each other. For Scotland, the wait is over. The eyes of the world will be on the boys in dark blue—and, as Lambert put it, "It's the best tournament."