Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson 3 - Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park, Glasgow, United Kingdom on 12 October 2025. Editorial use only , Copyright: xRaymondxDaviesx PSI-23024-0049
Scotland supporters have vented their frustration at manager Steve Clarke following a deeply unconvincing performance against Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
The Tartan Army finds itself in a tense situation, with complicated qualification equations keeping supporters and analysts busily crunching numbers.
Scotland currently sit among the eight best third-placed teams, meaning even a narrow defeat to Brazil on Wednesday night could still see them advance.
A draw against Brazil would all but confirm a historic first-ever passage through the group stages for the Scottish national side.
However, Robert Wilson from Newarthill urged caution, saying: “I wish to add a sense of realism about the suggestion that three points and a small goal difference might be enough to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup. At the 2022 tournament seven of the eight third placed teams had four points.”
Clarke’s decision to field just one striker against Morocco has been the central flashpoint for supporters calling into the Hotline.
Davie Stitt emailed to say: “How are we expected to win games in major competitions if we don’t pick attacking teams? To go with one striker against Morocco was negative. It brings me in mind of the last Euro Championships where we played with one striker. I am afraid this World Cup could be another glorious failure.”
John Scott from Grassmoor was equally damning, adding: “We were played off the park for 80 minutes against Morocco then out of desperation we suddenly show what we’re capable of in the last 10 minutes. What an attitude. What a sad reflection of our nation. Also rans who are happy just to be there. We like a bevvy and the locals are sad to see us go. Great.”
Questions were also raised about the role of assistant manager Steven Naismith, with Peter Cooperwhite emailing: “I’m still angry about the team Clarke put out and wondered what input or output Steven Naismith has as assistant manager. Is he just a nod the head yes man who doesn’t give Clarke any advice? His tactics played into Morocco’s hands.”
Robert McEwan from Mount Vernon said: “Here we go again with Scotland. Losing a goal in 70 seconds is incredible. Look at small countries like Cape Verde having a go. Have a go Stevie, they say it’s hard not to qualify.. eh not for Scotland.”
Even messages of support carried a sting, with Robert Burns emailing: “Good to see so many youngsters supporting the national team. Experiencing disappointment at a young age will stand them in good stead for life’s challenges as they get older.”
Off the international stage, newly confirmed Rangers boss Derek McInnes addressed his painful exit from Hearts, saying “decisions that had a huge impact on the outcome were hard to take” as Celtic pipped the Jambos to the title.
Celtic fan Paul Price from Belfast was unsympathetic, saying: “Someone please give Derek McInnes a tissue please. Does he forget the Auston Trusty sending off at Tynecastle which top referee Dermot Gallagher says should never have happened?”
Hearts fan Frank Jackson emailed: “I see that our former manager has issued a 400 word statement giving us the usual guff. It is about as sincere as a politician’s apology.”
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