What have we learned from Scotland’s World Cup so far?

June 21, 2026 No Comments

What have we learned from Scotland’s World Cup so far?Image source, GettyImage caption, Steve Clarke is bidding to become the first manager to steer Scotland beyond the group stage of a major tournamentByGeorge O’NeillBBC Sport ScotlandPublished36 minutes agoAfter two World Cup outings, Scotland’s hopes of progressing from Group C hang in the balance.They have three points after a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 reverse against Morocco.That tally could be enough should they avoid a heavy defeat against Brazil on Wednesday (23:00 BST), while a point would all but guarantee their place in the last 32.But what have we learned from the two outings in Boston before the Tartan Army descend on Miami?Scotland expects: What is behind McTominay’s understated World Cup?

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Lack of attacking thrust

Che Adams touch map against Morocco — Image caption,

Che Adams managed just 11 touches against Morocco

In the build-up to this tournament, head coach Steve Clarke deployed a 4-4-2 formation in friendlies against Curacao and Bolivia to great effect.

Against admittedly poor opposition, Scotland scored eight goals across the two matches and looked confident before the World Cup.

Clarke stuck with the same shape for the tournament opener against Haiti, but Scotland had fewer shots than their opponents and a lower expected goals (xG of 1.05 v 1.21).

John McGinn’s winning goal came via a deflection, and starting strikers Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams were on the periphery.

Shankland dropped to the bench against Morocco as Clarke bolstered his midfield, but once again, Adams failed to get into the contest.

Often an isolated figure up front, he failed to hold the ball up and get Scotland up the park, managing just 11 touches before being substituted for Lyndon Dykes on 71 minutes. Scotland finished the game with zero shots on target.

It seems likely Clarke will go with the same system against Brazil, but there could be a personnel change with Dykes, Shankland, Ross Stewart and George Hirst competing with Adams to lead the line.

Winger Ben Gannon-Doak, having impressed against Haiti, provided much-needed late dynamism off the bench as Clarke’s side finished strongly against Morocco.

Fellow wide player Findlay Curtis, 19, came off the bench late on against Haiti for his World Cup debut and also offers pace and trickery. Might he feature at some stage in midweek as Scotland look to relieve the pressure?

Defensive solidity

Although Scotland have struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities in their two group matches, they have been largely solid in defence.

One mistake against Morocco was punished as Ismael Saibari raced past Grant Hanley to score the game’s only goal after just 70 seconds.

However, from that point onwards, the Scots’ back four limited their high-quality opposition to relatively few chances.

Jack Hendry was superb, averting danger more than once with his pace and reading of the game. His block to deny Saibari a second was out of the top drawer.

“Terrible start but the reaction to that was good,” Clarke reported after the game. “We had to dig in for five or 10 minutes just to get our feet in the game.

“This group of players, this squad, have shown that [resilience] in abundance over the years.”

That resilience bodes well for Scotland’s third group game, where another stout defensive display is of vital importance.

Gunn justifies Clarke’s faith

It was widely expected Angus Gunn would be Scotland’s number one for this tournament, but the 30-year-old’s struggle for minutes with Nottingham Forest last season meant he was not a certainty.

Having signed on a free transfer last summer after his Norwich City deal expired, Gunn made just one club appearance, playing 45 minutes off the bench in a 1-1 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace.

However, Clarke stuck with Gunn ahead of Craig Gordon and Liam Kelly and has been justified in his selection to this point.

A clean sheet against Haiti – despite one or two hairy moments – ensured a vital three points in the hunt for knockout football.

He had no chance with Saibari’s powerful strike in game two and kept Scotland in the contest with several fine stops, denying Achraf Hakimi, Bilal El Khannouss and Chemsdine Talbi.

More of the same will be required come Wednesday night.

Mixed bag in midfield without Gilmour

Billy Gilmour receives treatment from physios during Scotland's friendly win over Curacao — Image caption,

Billy Gilmour was ruled out of the World Cup after injuring his knee in a pre-tournament friendly against Curacao

Although Billy Gilmour is with the squad in the United States, Scotland have missed the Napoli man’s calming influence in the heart of midfield.

He sustained a knee injury in the friendly victory against Curacao and was ruled out of the World Cup, with Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher called up in his place.

In both matches, Scotland have struggled to both keep possession and build attacks through midfield. One of Gilmour’s strengths is his ability to take the ball off his centre-backs and progress the play.

Against Haiti and Morocco, there has been plenty of keeping the ball at the back before going long towards Adams.

Much has been made of Scott McTominay’s subdued start to the tournament and how well Lewis Ferguson has applied himself, but neither are in the Gilmour mould.