Scotland are back at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The wait is almost over as Steve Clarke's squad prepares for the Group C opener against Haiti in Boston. The warm-up matches are complete, and despite the heartbreak of Billy Gilmour's injury-enforced absence, a commanding 4-0 victory over Bolivia in New Jersey has boosted confidence. The squad has settled into their training base in Charlotte, South Carolina, but a pre-tournament feud with Norway has already sparked controversy.
Shankland's Stellar Form
Lawrence Shankland has made himself undroppable after scoring three goals in the two warm-up games. Andy Halliday, his former Hearts teammate, insists Shankland must start against Haiti. "Coming into this double-header, you could almost guarantee eight starters for Scotland. I don't think Lawrence was one of them... I think he has to be now," Halliday said. Shankland's link-up play and character have impressed, and he is the overwhelming favourite with bookmakers to be Scotland's top scorer at the tournament.
McTominay's Premier League Return?
Scott McTominay is tipped for a return to the Premier League after stellar performances for Napoli. Kris Boyd believes the World Cup will attract interest from top clubs. "Scott McTominay is bound to attract some eyes from big clubs after the World Cup. He strikes me as someone who would welcome a return to the British Isles," Boyd said. McTominay is second favourite to be Scotland's top scorer.
Norway Feud Escalates
Scotland have been branded 'unprofessional' by Norway boss Stale Solbakken after cancelling a planned closed-door friendly. The Norwegian FA announced the game was scrapped due to Scotland injuries, but Solbakken revealed he didn't even receive a phone call from Steve Clarke. John McGinn fired back, defending the decision. The SFA has refused to engage in a war of words, with sources saying Clarke is happy with the build-up.
Inside the Scotland Camp
Scotland are based at the Atrium Health Performance Centre, home of MLS side Charlotte FC. The facilities are described as 'Premier League standard'. Skipper Andy Robertson urged his teammates to soak in the surreal experience but warned that things will get serious as the opener approaches. Steve Clarke is embracing the heat in Charlotte, saying it's exactly what they wanted.
Opponents in Focus
Haiti, making their first World Cup appearance in over 50 years, are Scotland's first opponents. Morocco and Brazil complete Group C. Brazil's Neymar has been given a fitness boost after a positive MRI scan, while Morocco have been hit by a double injury blow with Abde Ezzalzouli almost certainly ruled out of the tournament.
Fan's Perspective
Dashiell Taneus-Miller, a 17-year-old footballer eligible for both Scotland and Haiti, will be supporting Haiti in the opener. "I've been getting a lot of banter from my teammates since the draw," he said. "It's a hard draw for Scotland, but I'm happy for both teams."
Expert Predictions
Record Sport's Keith Jackson, Andy Newport, and Fraser Wilson believe Scotland can beat Haiti if they perform at their best. Angus Gunn is tipped to start in goal, while Ben Gannon-Doak is expected to reclaim his place on the wing after an electric display against Bolivia. The Shankland-Adams partnership is seen as the likely front pairing.
Scotland are 150/1 outsiders to win the World Cup, but 8/1 to go further than England. Betway spokesperson Lewis Knowles said: "A win over Haiti should see them qualify as one of the top third-placed teams."
