Twenty-eight years since they last graced a World Cup finals, Scotland are back — and this time they believe they can finally break the glass ceiling. The Tartan Army landed in the United States with genuine hope that history can be made, fuelled by a qualifying campaign that culminated in an unforgettable night at Hampden Park. Needing to beat Denmark in a winner-takes-all showdown, Scott McTominay’s iconic overhead kick and Kenny McLean’s stoppage-time strike from inside his own half bookended a 4-2 victory that sent the nation into raptures. A helping hand from Belarus set up the decider, but after dismal showings at the last two European Championships, the “happy to be there” ship has sailed.
Steve Clarke, the architect of this revival, was rewarded with a new four-year deal in the week before the squad jetted out — a decision that provoked surprise and negativity among fans who questioned the timing. Get out of the group and there will be acceptance; fail, and the knives will be out for rushing into a major commitment. Scotland have never reached the knockout stage, and arguably they have never been better equipped. Clarke’s teams are not known for easy-on-the-eye football; being organised and hard to beat has been the trademark since he took the reins nearly seven years ago. But fans crave more attacking ambition, especially after Euro 2024 ended with a meek 1-0 defeat to Hungary in a must-win game, and Clarke’s fist-pumping celebration after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland was met with bafflement.
“Scotland are back at the World Cup after 28 years and have never been better equipped to reach the knockout stage for the first time.”
A 4-0 battering of Bolivia in a warm-up — all four goals in the first half — suggests the shooting boots are coming on at just the right time. With Haiti first up, representing Scotland’s best chance of three points, natural goalscorers like McTominay and John McGinn will be crucial. The group offers a genuine opportunity to make history. Fail, and the knives will be out.