Scotland faces a critical juncture in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with their upcoming match against Denmark in Copenhagen setting the stage for six defining games under Steve Clarke’s management. After a 27-year absence from the World Cup, Scotland’s goalkeeping and defensive frailties raise concerns, but there are also strands of hope in the midfield and the potential for a backs-against-the-wall performance. The outcome of these matches will determine whether Clarke’s tenure reaches new heights or faces an early conclusion.
Copenhagen's Parken stadium carries echoes of Scottish football history, a poignant reminder this week following the passing of Jimmy Bone. His lone international goal, scored in that very stadium in 1972, fueled Scotland's journey to the 1974 World Cup, ending a 16-year absence. Now, as Scotland prepares to face Denmark in Copenhagen again, the weight of a 27-year World Cup drought bears heavily on Steve Clarke's shoulders.
Since Scotland last graced the World Cup stage in 1998, nations like Togo, North Korea, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and even Wales have all experienced the global tournament's fanfare. Steve Clarke stands on the cusp of becoming the longest-serving Scotland manager, tasked with steering the nation towards the 2026 World Cup. With a Ballon d'Or nominee, albeit representing another country, in Scott McTominay, Clarke has six crucial games to redefine Scotland's footballing destiny.
The looming question is whether this marks the pinnacle of Clarke's achievements or a stumbling block on his path to becoming a Scottish legend. The answer will unfold over the next 540 minutes of play. Few can diminish the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead for Clarke and his squad.
There's an underlying feeling that Clarke views the culmination of this World Cup cycle, coinciding with the end of his contract, as a natural conclusion to his tenure, which began in 2019. Whether that departure is beneficial is another question entirely. The more urgent issue is dispelling the notion that the team reached its peak long before the disastrous showing in Germany and the preceding Euros. While Scotland showed resilience during the latter stages of the Nations League, conceding three goals in home defeats against Greece and Iceland has raised serious concerns. Clarke's public comments have done little to calm the unrest among fans, fueled by a sense of over-familiarity. Adding to the pressure, Greece, now a youthful and emerging force, stands as a rival within their qualifying group.
The overwhelming desire to end Scotland's World Cup exile is palpable, and the benefits of a 'Tartan Army' invasion on the tournament are undeniable. Clarke's role in elevating the team's standards is also evident. However, several undeniable factors contribute to current skepticism. These challenges make Clarke's task, beginning against Denmark, exceptionally difficult. The Scottish Football Association is likely to enter panic mode when the time comes to find Clarke's successor, with a scarcity of readily available talent making the job an unattractive prospect. The fact that Scottish clubs seem indifferent to the bigger picture is exemplified by the types of journeymen they brought in during the recent transfer window.
The goalkeeping situation for Scotland borders on a national crisis. Liam Kelly doesn't play for Rangers, Zander Clark is likely soon not to play for Hearts, and Angus Gunn hasn't seen any game time since playing only seven minutes of the loss to Iceland in June. Clarke will probably start Gunn against Denmark, which hardly constitutes a ringing endorsement. The Nottingham Forest reserve goalkeeper has so far failed to impress when wearing the Scotland jersey.
Scotland's central defense appears fragile on the international stage. Andy Robertson is no longer a guaranteed starter at left-back for Liverpool, suggesting a potential decline. Kieran Tierney's return to Celtic has only highlighted physical limitations and injury concern. The attack either lacks experience at this level (Kieran Bowie and George Hirst) or needs a consistent goal-scoring threat (Che Adams), resulting in a continuing reliance on Lyndon Dykes. The exuberance surrounding Ben Doak ignores the fact that the 19-year-old is yet to establish himself in club football, a point repeatedly emphasized by Clarke.
Nevertheless, there are glimmers of optimism. Aaron Hickey's recovery from a serious hamstring injury should strengthen the right-back position, an area of concern for Scotland. The midfield, led by McTominay, is more than competent for international football. Clarke's challenge lies in accommodating all the talented players at his disposal. It should also be said that Denmark away is the exact type of fixture in which Scotland tend to flourish, with their backs to the wall and their organization unquestionable. Even earning a point would be a positive result before the match with Belarus. Scotland's previous encounter with Denmark four years ago showcased perhaps the best performance of Clarke's tenure and resulted in a 2-0 victory.
Back in 1972, Scotland was on a high, with players such as Billy Bremner, Martin Buchan, and Peter Lorimer. Copenhagen sparked a run that saw the country qualify for six out of seven World Cups. Although there are similarities with another section beginning in the Danish capital, there are fundamental differences that seem very difficult to overcome.