Scotland manager Steve Clarke has put contingency plans in place ahead of tomorrow night’s crucial Group C clash against Brazil in Miami.
Clarke spoke to the media at the Miami Stadium as bolts of lightning and claps of thunder lit up a heavy grey sky overhead.
Local weather forecasters have predicted significant electrical storms will hit the area from around 7pm tomorrow night, potentially disrupting the match.
That timing would fall during the half time interval of the highly anticipated encounter between the two sides.
Under tournament rules, if lightning is detected within an eight mile radius of the stadium, both teams must leave the field for a minimum of thirty minutes.
A prolonged delay could mean a very long night for Scotland supporters back home, with the match already scheduled for an 11pm kick-off.
The concern is well-founded given what unfolded earlier this week when France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia was held up for more than two hours.
That match was suspended during the half time interval at 5:49pm ET, with play not officially resuming until 8:00pm ET as players took shelter inside.
Clarke acknowledged the situation and drew directly on that experience when addressing reporters ahead of the Brazil fixture.
Clarke said: “I think you saw the France game delayed by the weather and that was the first time it’s happened in the tournament. So I think so far we have probably been a little bit lucky with the weather.”
He added: “Looking at the forecast tomorrow it is possible that there will be some rain disruptions. We have a strategy in mind on how to deal with it.”
Clarke was candid about the unpredictable nature of weather delays and the challenge they present for preparation and player management.
He noted: “You have to wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike and that can just roll on and on.”
Clarke remained measured in his outlook, saying: “If there is to be a delay then hopefully it can be a short one and, like I said before, we have got a coping strategy and an idea what we would do if that happened to us.”
Scotland fans hoping for a smooth evening in Miami may need to brace themselves, with the weather forecast suggesting the elements could play a significant role in proceedings.
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