World Cup 2026: Scotland v Brazil – big players must step up for Clarke
Clarke has his own selection problems. The news from Aaron Hickey is not good, so who can play right back against Vini Jr.’s speed and blood-curdling tricks?
Is Nathan Patterson Anthony Ralston, or is Clarke going rogue and asking Kieran Tierney to do one of the least enviable jobs in football? There is a meaning in this. Tierney has extensive experience. This is one day for us.
Who does Clarke portray up front, and is there a chance that whoever it is might have more than just crumbs?
Che Adams runs hard but is unconvincing. Lyndon Dykes is a true battering ram, but Gabriel and Marquinhos have seen guys like him before in their careers. Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart and George Hirst are the other contestants.
There’s a logic to putting Scott McTominay in the role – it’s a setback for Brazil – but assistant manager Steven Naismith rejected the offer the other day.
McTominay is big and strong, incredibly energetic, a handful and an excellent finisher. He couldn’t do his best in either match, he wasn’t even close to his best, but there’s always the danger of coming back to life.
It has to happen now. The same should be true for John McGinn. This has to happen for potential difference-maker Ben Gannon-Doak.
He was used off the bench against Morocco, with Clarke hoping he could make a greater impact when play was looser and space was opened up. Gannon-Doak will start on Wednesday.
Scotland’s strength is their effort, hard work and passion, but these only get you so far. There is some technical talent there, but not mass.
What was said before Haiti and Morocco is still valid today; Scotland’s famous players need to step it up. They need to be better, they need to create, and they need to be ruthless.
A lot needs to happen for Scotland to take a point or three from this game, but if they do it will feel like a warm-up act for a fortnight of joyous scenes in Boston, a city that has embraced the Tartan Army.
The race is certain to have Scottish fans kicking their fun and entertainment into an extra gear. The best hope is that Clarke and his players have much more to show for this game of their lives as they chase history.
