Steven Naismith says Scotland’s first World Cup win in 36 years has taken a weight off the shoulders of Steve Clarke’s players, writes Scott McDermott in the USA.
They were under pressure to deliver against Haiti in Boston on Saturday night and secured a 1-0 victory that put them top of Group C, thanks to John McGinn’s winner. It ended a World Cup hoodoo that’s been there since 1990 and assistant boss Naismith was delighted with the result.
Scotland must now follow it up against Morocco on Friday night as they look to make history by reaching the knock-out stage. That game will be a totally different challenge for Clarke’s squad. But Naismith insists the players won’t be as edgy going into the second match in Foxborough after getting a monkey off their backs by beating Haiti.
He said: “I think they’re (players) more relaxed. We have ticked a few boxes and now have a win at a World Cup group stage. We have points. I just think the longer you’re in the tournament, the familiarity increases and everything settles. So, yes, I would expect everybody to be a bit more relaxed on Friday.”
The win was Clarke’s first at a major tournament as Scotland boss after failing to get off the mark at two Euro Finals. The manager has said he wants to enjoy the World Cup more than he did at Euro 2020 or Euro 2024.
And sidekick Naismith revealed he almost managed a smile after seeing off the Caribbean minnows to seal a priceless three points. He joked: “Aye, he was doing cartwheels. I think the corner of his lip raised a wee bit! Listen, it’s down to his experience. He’s been to two tournaments now and says he didn’t enjoy them. I think he’s sat and reflected on why that is, and thought about what he could do to make it more enjoyable.
“When I was here the first time (as coach), he told me he wanted to get to a World Cup. He said if we didn’t make it from that Ukraine game (play-off for 2022 WC) - then we’d just need to make the next one. At the time, it’s easy to say it because it’s the right thing to say. But he really believed it. And I think he’s now managing to enjoy it, being here.”
Scotland and Clarke have made changes to their preparation and set-up for this tournament in America. One of the big plus points for players has been getting more time with their families in the US. And Naismith says that’s been a key part of their success so far.
He said: “After the Haiti game we came back, had food and went to bed. But everyone was then up first thing to see their families for the day. That tells you everything about it. At previous tournaments there’s not been that aspect of just being a dad, being a husband, being a son. That’s not been there. The Thursday before the game, we were in Boston and the families came to the hotel.
“In previous times that wouldn’t have happened. We’d have felt we have to be so focused. But that subconscious focus all the time drains you. And what we’ve been doing has been working, so long may it continue.”
Naismith has heaped praise on Clarke and how he’s approached the World Cup after signing a new four-year deal as gaffer. And he says his man-management of players - even those who AREN’T in America - has been superb.
Naismith said: “We’ve had three out of four tournaments and had play-offs too. And you still had people questioning whether he should be the guy who takes us forward. The manager just keeps rolling on. He’s faced it up. Coming into the tournament, everyone was saying Haiti was a must-win.
“So he said, right if it’s a must-win, put it on the players saying it’s a must-win. That’s the time to do that, rather than taking the foot off the gas and saying there’s no pressure. He’s excellent at that.
“But that goes back to him working with some of the best managers in the world, and having been really successful himself as a club manager. He deserves a lot of credit. You won’t hear one player who doesn’t speak highly of him.
“I’d go further than that too because there are guys who haven’t made the squad - guys he’s worked with and then left out - who speak really positively about him. That’s because of how he is as a manager, with his tactics and with his man-management. But he’s driven. As he said before the tournament, he’s not finished yet.”
