News Focus
- Scotland thrashed Bolivia 4-0 in their final warm-up match before the World Cup
- Steve Clarke must now decide between Angus Gunn and Craig Gordon in goal
- Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams both scored, creating a selection dilemma up front
- The defence performed well with Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry impressing at centre-back
- Ryan Christie and Ben Doak shone in midfield, adding to Clarke’s selection headaches
Steve Clarke smiled as he spoke to the media after Scotland’s victory over Bolivia. “I got everything I wanted this time,” the Scotland head coach told BBC Scotland. “We avoided injuries, played well, and secured a good result.”
However, the 4-0 win also gave the manager a difficult problem. His team played superbly in the first half in New Jersey. The defence looked solid, the midfield controlled the game, and the two strikers scored three goals between them.
“I have some big decisions to make,” Clarke admitted after the match. “Everyone focuses on the starting eleven, but this tournament is about your finishing eleven.”
Goalkeeper Dilemma
Angus Gunn wears the number one shirt for Scotland. The Nottingham Forest keeper played the full 90 minutes against Bolivia and made one excellent save. However, he had little else to do during the game.
Craig Gordon, the 43-year-old Hearts veteran, played against Curacao last week. Many fans believe Gordon deserves to play at the World Cup after missing Euro 2024 through injury. He would become the oldest player at the tournament.
Defence Decisions
Clarke praised his backline after the match. “I loved our defensive work,” he said. “We stayed compact and stopped Bolivia from playing through us.”
Full-backs Aaron Hickey and Andy Robertson are certain to start. The question is who will play in the centre of defence. Grant Hanley played well against Bolivia and did not make any mistakes. Jack Hendry also impressed alongside him. The Al Ettifaq defender is used to hot weather after playing in Saudi Arabia.
John Souttar and Scott McKenna started against Curacao, but Hendry now seems ahead of them. Kieran Tierney provides another option for the defence.
Midfield Options
Scotland scored four goals in the first half without John McGinn. Scott McTominay played in a 4-4-2 formation and scored superbly. Lewis Ferguson also showed his quality in the middle of the park.
The wingers caused the most damage. Ryan Christie played brilliantly on the left, cutting inside to create chances. Ben Doak, the 20-year-old Bournemouth player, dazzled on the wing with his energy and speed. “Ben did himself a lot of good today,” Clarke said.
Strike Partnership
Lawrence Shankland scored the first goal against Bolivia. The new Rangers striker also scored twice against Curacao. Che Adams scored two goals as well and linked up well with Shankland.
Lyndon Dykes is another option after playing with Shankland against Curacao. Clarke noted that “the two strikers complemented each other well.” Shankland remained modest when asked if he should start. “I can be pleased with my work,” he said.
Clarke must now make his choices at the team base in Charlotte. After this performance, he has plenty of good options.