The discussions among the Tartan Army are already fixated on the scenarios that Steve Clarke is eager to sidestep. Ismael Saibari’s early goal for Morocco put Scotland on the back foot, intensifying the pressure on Clarke and his squad to achieve a historic outcome. The team in navy blue struggled to keep their footing in Boston.
Despite the setback, Scotland can take some solace from the match. Morocco squandered several chances in the first half, and Scotland showed significant improvement after the break, even managing to control portions of the game. The 1-0 defeat leaves their goal difference at zero, averting an immediate threat of elimination while they sit on three points. However, a daunting challenge awaits them next with Brazil on the horizon.
Scotland now finds itself in unfamiliar territory. If they can avoid a heavy defeat against Brazil—something demonstrated to be possible in the Morocco match—they may have a reasonable chance of advancing to the last 32. Yet, predicting outcomes at this stage remains precarious, with numerous matches still to unfold. Group B presents complications for Scotland; a victory for Bosnia and Herzegovina over Qatar would elevate three teams to at least four points. Similarly, Group D is troublesome, as Australia and Paraguay, both with three points, will meet in their final clash. Those who finish the group stage behind Scotland will know exactly what they need to do. Clarke, understandably, is hesitant to speculate on the probabilities of qualification.
“They will want to win the game. If they can’t win the game, they don’t want to lose it.” said Scotland’s manager when questioned about how the group situation affects his squad’s mindset. “It took him a little bit of time to get into the game. Once he gets in there, you know Ben is going to give you unpredictability at that end of the pitch. He gives us a threat that is different. Ben does something different, we know that. Brazil is a different game and probably a different approach.”
It is important to acknowledge the larger context, particularly if Scotland manages to advance from Group C, primarily due to their narrow 1-0 win over Haiti. This marked only their fourth goal in eight finals tournaments under Clarke’s leadership. Notably, two goals have come from significant deflections, and one was merely a consolation during a heavy 5-1 loss to Germany. At this elite level, Scotland is painfully lacking in game-changing talent. The technical skills of attacking players in similarly sized nations, such as Norway, far surpass what Clarke has at his disposal. While there is no doubt about the commendable attitude of his Scotland squad, which has enjoyed success after years of underachievement, they remain a limited team and often struggle to captivate audiences.
Reaching the last 32 would indeed mark a new milestone for Scotland. However, it would be absurd to claim that this team is superior to those of past tournaments, such as the one in 1974. Scottish fans bring vibrancy to tournament football; the team, however, lacks that same spark.
This issue lies within Scottish football, rather than solely with Steve Clarke. It is crucial to take action while the situation is still manageable, particularly through incentivizing clubs to nurture homegrown talent. This represents Scotland’s third tournament qualification out of four attempts. The average age of the starting eleven against Morocco was closer to 30 than 29. Clarke has committed to another four years with the goal of cultivating a new generation of players, a task that seems daunting. Tyler Fletcher, the latest hopeful for a bright future, has spent just as much time in the Scottish domestic football system as he has on the moon.
Clarke, along with the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League, must adopt a unified strategy to substantially enhance standards. The World Cup has only highlighted this necessity. During the current transfer window, Premiership clubs are set to welcome a variety of players from around the globe, which could further limit opportunities for emerging Scottish talent.
Ben Gannon-Doak continues to inspire optimism. Clarke tends to downplay the hype surrounding the Bournemouth player, which is a reasonable stance for a manager. At just 20, Gannon-Doak has limited club experience, and the external excitement surrounding him is notable; Scots are eager for a standout player, hence the buzz surrounding him.
“He is a terrific player,” Clarke remarked following Gannon-Doak’s impactful substitution against Morocco. “It took him a little bit of time to get into the game. Once he gets in there, you know Ben is going to give you unpredictability at that end of the pitch. He gives us a threat that is different. Ben does something different, we know that. Brazil is a different game and probably requires a different approach.”
There may be no need for over-analysis. Countries with fewer resources that possess a player of Gannon-Doak’s speed and directness would typically select him without hesitation. Given Scotland’s pressing need for a game-changer, there is little reason to hold back on his inclusion. By turning to Gannon-Doak, Clarke can alleviate criticism regarding his ambition.
Scotland expressed discontent following the Morocco match, believing that John McGinn and Scott McTominay should have been awarded penalties. While maintaining a calm demeanor, Clarke suggested that Morocco should have been reduced to ten players. The decision by video assistant referees not to intervene seems to be a deliberate—and perhaps beneficial—approach during this World Cup, but it negatively impacted Scotland in this instance. It is also worth mentioning that a penalty was not awarded against Grant Hanley for handball in the Haiti match.
Scotland faced a similar scenario during Euro 2024, where they voiced frustration towards a referee’s decision not to grant a penalty in their final group match against Hungary. The feeling of emptiness remains just as strong now. The nation grapples with significant football-related issues that extend far beyond officiating mishaps.
Scotland’s fate lies in their own hands. If they draw against Brazil, advancing to the knockout stage should be assured. A loss, however, introduces variables that are beyond their control.
