Scotland have qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park, with Scott McTominay scoring a stunning overhead kick and Kenny McLean sealing victory from the halfway line in added time. The intervening months have been tricky, with defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast, but manager Steve Clarke's squad is high on experience and determined to progress beyond the group stage.
Clarke's side will open against Haiti, and victory there could set up a first-round exit for the first time. The manager is expected to start with two strikers in that match, but a more defensive approach is likely against Morocco and Brazil. Scotland are well-drilled and carry a counterattacking threat, though the squad is ageing and light on goal threat if midfielders John McGinn and Scott McTominay do not contribute.
Key players include McTominay, who has revived his career at Napoli and scored one of the finest goals ever at Hampden Park. Andy Robertson and Che Adams are also go-to men, while Billy Gilmour's knee injury has opened the door for Tyler Fletcher, who won his maiden cap in the send-off game against Curaçao. Midfield is Scotland's strongest area, but the goalkeeping position and centre-back depth remain concerns.
Clarke, who took over in 2019, has led Scotland to three out of four finals and retains huge respect from his squad. His pre-match speech before the Denmark qualifier was described by Robertson as one of the best he has ever heard. The manager is pragmatic but has been urged to be bold after criticism for negative tactics at the last Euros.
Ben Gannon-Doak, a 20-year-old winger who moved from Liverpool to Bournemouth, offers pace and directness but has been urged to develop without pressure. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, Scotland hope to make history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
