Steve Clarke has overseen quite the turnaround in Scotland’s fortunes since taking the job in 2019. Since he took the job, Scotland qualified for their first European Championships since 1996 and he has reignited the passionate relationship between the Tartan Army and the team. With players like Andy Roberton, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn, they have a talented squad filled with heart and grit that truly love playing for Clarke. Clarke led his side to six consecutive victories after their Euros campaign in World Cup qualification, which was good enough for second in the group and a playoff appearance. They are now just two wins away from their first World Cup appearance since 1998, and fans are daring to dream. Those wanting to put a bet on Scotland to qualify for the tournament can explore this list of football betting offers for more information.
The Road to QatarThanks to their fantastic 2-0 victory over Euro 2020 semi-finalists and top of the group Denmark, Scotland secured a seeded position and therefore a home tie for their playoff fixture against Ukraine on March 24. Scotland have only come up against Ukraine on two occasions previously, both in qualification for Euro 2008. Ukraine won 2-0 in the first ever meeting between the two sides in Kyiv in 2006, while Scotland won the return fixture at Hampden Park 3-1. Having home advantage will be massive for Scotland, and with full support from the Tartan Army, Hampden Park will no doubt be absolutely rocking. If they can get past Ukraine, they will face the winner of Austria and Wales. Fans will no doubt be licking their lips at the prospect of an all home nations tie at the Millennium Stadium against Wales, with the winner qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
In their qualifying group, Scotland managed seven wins, two draws and just one loss in their ten games. Their best performance was absolutely the 2-0 win over Denmark, but fans will remember the brilliant away win in Austria and their famous 3-2 win over Israel at Hampden Park where Scott McTominay scored a late winner in the dying minutes of injury time. They are certainly an in-form side, and no team would relish going to Hampden Park to get a result. Often in international football home advantage doesn’t make as much of a difference in comparison to the club game, but not in Scotland. The Tartan Army are an incredibly passionate fanbase and there are few better sights in all football than watching a full Hampden Park belt out the lyrics to the seventies banger Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.The Star Men
There is no doubt as to who Scotland’s main man is: captain and left back Andy Robertson. He is no stranger to big games and big occasions, as he has played a vital role in Liverpool’s dramatic Premier League title win in the 2019/20 season and their famous sixth Champions League title in Madrid over Tottenham Hotspur in 2019. Not only is he a brilliant crosser of the ball and a resolute defender, he is a born leader and one of the best left backs in the world.Another leader in the Scotland dressing room who is also a left back is Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney. Despite being just 24 years of age, he is one of the main men in the Scotland team and a vital part of Steve Clarke’s side. His ability to play as a left centre back in a back three, at left back or on the wing makes him an integral part of the squad. Tierney has established himself as an essential part of Arsenal’s squad since his arrival from Celtic and if Scotland are to qualify for the World Cup, they will need him at his best.
The midfield duo of Aston Villa’s John McGinn and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay gives Clarke’s side work rate and drive in the centre of the park. McGinn’s passing range, dribbling ability and knack of arriving at the right time to pop up with important goals makes him an extremely important member of the Scotland team. McTominay sits at the base of midfield and is excellent at breaking the lines with his passing. He’s also a combative and assured tackler in defence, and has the positioning to make vital interceptions.The emergence of Southampton striker Che Adams has been incredibly important to Clarke’s side. While Lyndon Dykes can be a handful for opposing defenders, critics have often pointed to his lack of cutting edge in front of goal, something Adams can provide. His four goals in 13 Scotland appearances can improve, but he is a player with raw pace and the ability to hold up play and bring in other players into attacks.
ConclusionWith just two wins required to seal World Cup qualification, Scotland’s expectant fanbase are starting to dream of seeing their team play in a World Cup for the first time in a generation. There is no doubt that Ukraine are an extremely good side and Steve Clarke’s men will have to be at their best to get a win. If they can achieve that, then Wales or Austria present their own unique challenges, but in Steve Clarke they have a manager that has made the Tartan Army believe again and they have a group of extremely talented players that are desperate to perform for their country. No matter what happens, it’s safe to say Clarke has Scotland boogieing again.