The Record Sport jury has weighed in on Scotland's 1-0 defeat to Morocco, questioning Steve Clarke's cautious approach and calling for four changes ahead of the crucial Brazil match in Miami.
Was Clarke Too Cautious Against Morocco?
Andy Newport believes Clarke went safe with his team and tactics, paying the price. He was concerned about Grant Hanley's lack of pace, which was exposed within 70 seconds, but leaving Ben Gannon-Doak out was baffling. "He's our difference-maker and had to start," Newport said.
Gavin Berry agreed, stating Scotland should have been bolder. "Not starting Gannon-Doak is baffling. Even in a cautious set-up, his pace on the counter is key. The defensive approach is too negative." Ryan McDonald noted that while he wasn't surprised by the defensive setup, the pressing was wrong and Che Adams was isolated. "If we set up the same way against Brazil, we'll be in deep trouble," he warned.
Penalty Shouts: Were They Justified?
On the penalty shouts, Newport didn't think John McGinn's incident was strong enough, as he appeared to be tumbling before the nudge. However, he saw definite contact on Scott McTominay that should have been a spot-kick. Berry added a potential red card for the challenge on Adams, calling them strong shouts but not stonewall. He noted VAR is not intervening unless it's a huge miss, which is no bad thing given past experiences. McDonald, removing his "tartan-tinted glasses," wasn't convinced either was a penalty. "McGinn was already on his way down. The ref was lenient throughout."
Can Scotland Make History and Escape the Group?
Newport is optimistic: "The odds are we'll still make it through if we keep it tight and don't let goal difference take a beating. Brazil aren't the vintage outfits of old but still have huge threats. We have to cut out silly mistakes." Berry wants more performance confidence: "Results are in our favour, but I'd rather see more in the performance to believe we could do something when we get there." McDonald reflected: "It's incredible that a 1-0 win over Haiti could end our 72-year wait to reach the knockouts. If we avoid a battering against Brazil, we're all but guaranteed a spot in the last 32."
Four Changes for the Brazil Clash
Newport urged: "Ben Gannon-Doak HAS to start. He's no world beater but we're a far better side with him. Scott McKenna should replace Hanley, Aaron Hickey comes in for Nathan Patterson, and I'd bring in Kenny McLean for his composure on the ball." Berry wants Clarke to mix it up: "Scott McKenna for Hanley given Brazil's pace, Gannon-Doak from the start, possibly Kenny McLean in midfield, and an alternative to Adams up front like Lawrence Shankland or Ross Stewart." McDonald said: "We must be the only nation that would bench a special talent like Gannon-Doak. We had no outball against Morocco. Drop Hanley for McKenna if Tierney's fit, Hickey replaces Patterson, and Shankland gets the nod ahead of Adams."
The jury is unanimous: Scotland must be bolder to stand a chance against Brazil and secure a historic knockout stage berth.
