Scotland secured a 4-1 victory over 10-man Curaçao in a World Cup send-off friendly at Hampden Park, but the win was overshadowed by an injury to midfielder Billy Gilmour that has ruled him out of the finals. The 22-year-old collapsed after playing a routine pass in the first half and was later confirmed to have suffered a knee injury, ending his hopes of featuring in Scotland's first World Cup campaign in 28 years.
Curaçao took a shock lead through Tahith Chong, who collected the ball on the halfway line, beat two defenders, and fired past Craig Gordon. The visitors were reduced to ten men just before half-time when Jürgen Locadia was sent off for elbowing Aaron Hickey in the face. Scotland equalised through Findlay Curtis, who replaced the injured Gilmour, before taking control in the second half.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke made several changes at half-time, including handing an international debut to Tyler Fletcher, son of former captain Darren Fletcher. The hosts scored three more goals to seal a comfortable win, but the mood was dampened by Gilmour's absence. The midfielder previously missed a crucial Euro 2020 group game after contracting Covid-19, following a man-of-the-match display against England.
Scotland now travel to the United States for the World Cup, where they will face Haiti in their opening match. The Tartan Army gave the team a rousing send-off, but the loss of Gilmour is a significant blow to Clarke's plans.
