Scotland stand on the brink of reaching their first World Cup since 1998, but manager Steve Clarke has had to read the riot act after poor performances last month. The Scots need at least a point from Saturday’s clash in Greece, with a win against Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday potentially sealing top spot in the group for the first time since 1982.
Clarke expressed frustration after Scotland’s unconvincing 3-1 win over Greece and an awful victory against Belarus, where he let rip in the dressing room at half-time and full time. “It is something very occasionally as a manager now you can use,” Clarke said of his anger. “That just felt like an appropriate moment.” He believed the team panicked against Belarus due to the high stakes.
Clarke’s six-year tenure has brought public tiredness, but he has the genuine possibility of becoming the first Scotland manager to qualify for three tournaments. Despite criticism, supporters overplay the talent at his disposal and ignore the wilderness years before his arrival. This is inevitably his last campaign in charge, and players know this is their final hope to make an impact at a World Cup.
Scotland’s obvious weaknesses at goalkeeper, centre-back and centre-forward can be offset only when key players like Andy Robertson, John McGinn and Scott McTominay bring their A game. Inconsistency among the squad has mirrored results, making the team difficult to assess. The lack of emerging talent will make Clarke’s successor’s job extremely tough, with the Under-21s thumped 6-1 by Iceland in March offering no hope.
Greece, with only three points from four games, should be favourable opposition but possess technically fine players, arguably superior to Scotland’s. The Greeks showed mental fragility after Scotland’s equaliser in Glasgow, yet the return fixture in Athens will prove tough. Scotland have a playoff berth secured, but the national mood is that nobody fancies that prospect.
