News Focus
- Scotland crush Bolivia 4-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match
- Che Adams scores twice in a dominant first-half display
- Lawrence Shankland and Scott McTominay add goals before the break
- Steve Clarke’s team prepare for their tournament opener against Haiti
Scotland produced a powerful display to defeat Bolivia 4-0 in New Jersey. The victory gives manager Steve Clarke’s players a huge confidence boost days before their first World Cup match in 28 years.
The Tartan Army started strongly at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring early with a firm header. Andy Robertson delivered an excellent cross from the left wing, and the Rangers striker beat his marker to find the net.
Scott McTominay doubled the lead after 20 minutes. Shankland dropped deep to create space and passed to the midfielder. McTominay’s shot squeezed past goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.
Che Adams added two more goals before half-time. The striker first tapped home from close range after Ben Gannon-Doak’s quick run down the wing. Adams then smashed a second into the bottom corner following another assist from the Bournemouth winger.
The scorching heat in New Jersey slowed the pace after the interval. Clarke made only two changes at half-time, bringing on John McGinn and Kieran Tierney. Scotland created more chances but could not add to their total. George Hirst missed a late opportunity to make it five.
Clarke will feel pleased with the attacking performance. His team face Haiti in Boston next week for their opening World Cup fixture. The manager still has decisions to make about his starting eleven, but Shankland and Adams have both staked strong claims to lead the attack.
This comfortable win erases memories of the slow start against Curacao last week. Scotland now travel to Boston full of optimism for their return to football’s biggest stage.