Dick Advocaat has praised Scotland’s quality while expressing fury over a controversial red card during Curacao’s 4-1 defeat at Hampden Park.
The former Rangers boss admitted Steve Clarke’s players had too much quality for his Curacao side in the farewell friendly.
Curacao are the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup and stunned Scotland by taking an early lead through Tahith Chong’s stunning opener.
However, a red card for Jurgen Locadia after 38 minutes turned the game and left Advocaat furious with referee Goga Kikacheishvili.
Goals from Findlay Curtis, a Lawrence Shankland double, and a late Ryan Christie penalty eased Scotland to victory despite missing Scott McTominay, John McGinn, and Che Adams.
Advocaat said: “Scotland were missing some big players. But they have good individuals. You can see where they play and where our players are playing. There’s a big difference.”
He also backed Scotland to cause problems at the tournament, saying: “We can learn from this game, most teams are outsiders. Scotland is an outsider and we are as well. But still, outsiders can surprise. Scotland as well.”
Locadia was dismissed for slamming into Aaron Hickey with a flailing elbow late in the first half, following a VAR review.
Advocaat argued that common sense should have led referee Kikacheishvili to allow Curacao to substitute the player rather than issue a red card.
The 78-year-old now faces an anxious wait over whether Locadia will be suspended for their World Cup opener against Germany.
Advocaat said: “If you are a good referee, then you can take him out and bring somebody else in. And now we have to wait and see what will happen for the World Cup.”
He added that losing Locadia would be damaging, saying: “He’s a good player for us. A strong player. And we have not that many.”
Scotland open their Group C campaign against Haiti, a side Curacao defeated 5-1 during qualifying, but Advocaat warned Clarke’s men not to underestimate them in Boston.
He said: “We beat them 5-1. But it was five attacks, five goals. And they had 20 attacks and one goal! They had a good side, to be fair.”
Advocaat was returning to the stadium where he clinched the Treble with Rangers in 1999, having won two Scottish Cups and a League Cup during his time in Scotland.
He reflected warmly on his time in the country, saying: “It’s always good to be back. Because the people here are always so fanatic about the clubs, the national team. It was great to be a part of that. And I did it with Rangers. I had a great period.”
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