Karius kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Schalke. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY LIVERPOOL ECHO
Scotland legend Gordon Strachan believes it would be virtually impossible for the national side to fail to progress beyond the World Cup group stage.
The former Scotland manager is backing current boss Steve Clarke to create history by leading the team into the knockout rounds for the very first time.
Scotland open their campaign at the global tournament, their first in 28 years, against Haiti before facing African champions Morocco and five-time winners Brazil.
Strachan has expressed confidence about all three Group C opponents, insisting the squad has the quality to navigate through unscathed.
He said: “I think it’s nearly impossible for Scotland not to get through their group.”
Strachan added: “If they stay robust and solid at the back, they can go unbeaten and take momentum into the knockout stages, where anything can happen.”
While acknowledging Brazil as the standout threat, Strachan remains unconcerned about the other two fixtures Scotland must navigate in the group.
He said: “We’re strong enough to get through those games without conceding a goal, and I’d like to think we can trouble their defences with the quality in midfield and attack.”
Clarke received a significant blow before the tournament began when Billy Gilmour was ruled out with a knee injury sustained in the Hampden farewell match against Curacao.
The Scotland manager surprised supporters by calling up Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, ahead of several more experienced options.
Players including Lennon Miller, Connor Barron, Andy Irving, and Elliot Watt were all overlooked in favour of the 19-year-old, sparking debate among supporters and pundits alike.
Strachan acknowledged the decision had proven controversial but expressed hope that the teenager would benefit enormously from the tournament experience.
He said: “Tyler Fletcher being called up to the Scottish national team after just 17 minutes of football is bound to cause a bit of a stir.”
Strachan added: “It’s a sign that Steve Clarke has an eye on the younger generation of players coming through, which he has faced criticism about in the past.”
The former Hampden boss does not anticipate Fletcher featuring heavily during the tournament but sees real long-term value in the young midfielder’s inclusion.
He said: “My advice to him would be take it all in, make the most of the experience and you never know what opportunities might arise during or after the tournament.”
Strachan concluded by highlighting the strength of character within Clarke’s squad, noting: “There are some great characters and leaders in that dressing room that will help him and look after him.”
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