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In the early stages, Scotland looked to be opting for something different. That is, heading to a major tournament while completely unburdened by expectation. Little Curaçao were embarrassing Steve Clarke and his team. Scottish Football Association big wigs, who handed Clarke a four-year deal in recent days, were shuffling uncomfortably in the plush seats. Excitement was surely raising in Haiti, Scotland’s first World Cup opponents.
That Scotland played against 10 men for more than a half must be factored in to analysis of their recovery. Nonetheless, the response was stirring enough to raise optimism among a supporter base who will shortly grace a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The Tartan Army remained in place to afford Scotland a rousing send-off for the US. Victory had ultimately proved as comfortable as should have been the case.
Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, Lewis Ferguson and Ché Adams were notable absentees having only joined up with the squad on Friday. The manager hinted at things to come, especially against Haiti, with the deployment of two strikers. George Hirst joined Lawrence Shankland in attack. The 43-year-old Craig Gordon started ahead of Angus Gunn in goal. Gordon’s international career had appeared over in 2024 as he missed out on the European Championship.
There was method in this choice of game for Scotland beyond the expectation (but only that) of victory before a flight to the US. Curaçao and Haiti are one place apart in the world rankings.
The start to the game had been as timid as one could expect from a May friendly until Tahith Chong sent the lively band of Curaçao supporters into raptures. Andy Robertson had flashed a ninth-minute drive wide but Scotland were otherwise impotent. Chong punished that, stunning Hampden in the process.
The Sheffield United midfielder collected the ball on the halfway line with a majestic first touch which bamboozled Scott McKenna. Next, Chong strode away from McKenna’s central defensive partner John Souttar. In scoring what should rank among the most memorable goals ever scored at this famous old venue, Chong wrong-footed Gordon when inside the penalty area and slammed home. It would be an exaggeration to suggest Curaçao deserved their lead yet Scotland’s ragged approach so close to a major tournament was worthy of punishment. Hirst sought to raise the mood with a header that Eloy Room scrambled away. The natives were restless; audible booing met the first drinks break of the afternoon.
Controversy arrived before the break. Jürgen Locadia crazily planted an elbow into the face of Aaron Hickey after the Brentford full-back had cleared the ball. After being urged to take a second look by the video assistant referee, Goga Kikacheishvili correctly issued a red card. Dick Advocaat, Curaçao’s manager, was unclear whether Locadia will have a suspension that runs into the World Cup. “For 50 minutes, he only whistled against us,” said Advocaat of the official. “The referee was from Georgia. That says enough.”
Advocaat seemed to believe Kikacheishvili should have instead asked the visitors to substitute Locadia. The 78-year-old’s ire would have been better directed towards his player.
What is undeniable is Scotland did not want what happened next. Billy Gilmour collapsed in a heap after injuring his right knee when playing a routine pass. Gilmour’s demeanour as he left the field suggested his World Cup dream must be in doubt. Ominously, he did not join his teammates for their post-game lap of honour.
This had proved about as grim an opening half as Clarke could have imagined until Findlay Curtis, who replaced Gilmour, drew the hosts level. Curtis swivelled and shot having collected Kenny McLean’s deflected pass.
A raft of half-time substitutions included an international debut for Tyler Fletcher, son of former Scotland captain Darren. The midfielder had not been named in the squad, instead one of a number of young players brought in to boost training numbers, with Clarke’s decision to introduce him here therefore intriguing. Fletcher is known to have impressed during sessions in the lead-up to Curaçao.
A smart corner routine nudged Scotland in front. Ryan Christie’s eventual cross to the front post was met by Shankland. The 30-year-old notched his fifth Scotland goal with a first-time finish, which Room should have dealt with. Shankland may be lightly raced on the international front but remains Scotland’s most lethal finisher.
Shankland was to prove that with just under half an hour to play. This time, the striker – who will join Rangers when the transfer window opens – strode on to a Lyndon Dykes’ lay off and fired beyond Room. Curaçao’s race was run.
Shankland was denied the opportunity to complete a hat-trick from the penalty spot, having already been replaced by the time Juriën Gaari wiped out the lively Curtis. Ryan Christie assumed penalty duties, the Bournemouth man sending Room the wrong way. Next stop, the grandest stage of all.
