Scotland's final pre-tournament friendly against Denmark ended in a stalemate, but it was the electrifying cameo of 18-year-old winger Ben Doak that provided the only true moment of inspiration at a subdued Hampden Park.
The Liverpool prodigy, introduced in the 68th minute, immediately transformed the flat encounter with his blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and direct running at the Danish defence. His arrival was the catalyst the match desperately needed, injecting a palpable sense of excitement into the Glasgow crowd.
Tartan Army's New Hero
The reaction from the Scotland supporters was immediate and unequivocal. Chants of 'Doak, Doak, Doak' echoed around the national stadium as the teenager showcased the 'X-factor' so glaringly absent for the previous hour. His performance has now sparked a fierce debate among fans and pundits alike, with many believing his explosive impact off the bench could be Scotland's secret weapon in Germany.
A Game of Two Halves
Prior to Doak's introduction, Scotland laboured against an equally unimpressive Danish side. The first-half performance, in particular, was worryingly passive, with Steve Clarke's men failing to register a single shot on target. The Danes, despite boasting talents like Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Højlund, were equally culpable in a forgettable affair.
The second half saw a slight improvement, with substitute Lewis Ferguson coming closest by hitting the crossbar. However, the game was crying out for a moment of individual brilliance—a void filled emphatically by the young Liverpudlian.
The Clarke Conundrum
The major talking point emerging from the match is whether Steve Clarke will now be tempted to integrate Doak into his starting plans sooner rather than later. While the manager is known for his cautious and loyal approach, the fan sentiment is clear: they want to see more of their new talisman.
With the Euro 2024 opener against Germany rapidly approaching, Clarke faces a selection headache. Does he stick with his established performers or unleash the raw, game-changing talent of Ben Doak from the start? One thing is certain: the teenager has given the manager and the entire nation something to truly cheer about.
