Diego Simone faces injury concerns ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool (Credits: Imago Images)
Scotland’s 1-0 defeat to Morocco has sparked fierce debate about Steve Clarke’s cautious approach and what must change before the Brazil clash in Miami.
The Record Sport jury has dissected the Boston performance, and the panel is united on one glaring omission from Clarke’s starting lineup against Morocco.
Andy Newport believes Clarke played it far too safe, arguing the tactics came at a significant cost against a dangerous Moroccan side.
“Steve Clarke went safe with his team and tactics and paid a price,” Newport said, adding that Grant Hanley’s lack of pace was exposed within just 70 seconds of kickoff.
Newport singled out the decision to leave Ben Gannon-Doak on the bench as the real head scratcher, calling him Scotland’s difference-maker who had to start.
Gavin Berry echoed those concerns, describing the choice to omit Gannon-Doak as baffling even within a cautious setup, arguing his pace on the counter remains essential to Scotland’s game plan.
Ryan McDonald was less surprised by Clarke’s defensive approach but pointed to a deeper tactical problem, noting that Che Adams was left far too isolated up front throughout the match.
The debate extended to several penalty appeals that went against Scotland, with the panel divided on how legitimate those shouts actually were during the game.
Berry highlighted the potential red card for the challenge on Che Adams as another major flashpoint, while also acknowledging Scotland survived big shouts against them in the Haiti game, including a potential red card for Kenny McLean.
McDonald took a more sceptical view of the appeals, suggesting McGinn was already on his way down before contact was made and that McTominay had simply chanced his luck at the other shout.
Despite the frustration, the panel remains cautiously optimistic that Scotland can still make history and escape the group stage for the first time in 72 years.
Newport noted that Brazil are no longer the vintage outfits of old but still carry huge threats going forward, making it critical that Scotland cut out the defensive errors seen so early against Morocco.
Berry warned that a tight win over Haiti should not become the tournament highlight, stressing he wants to see more from the performance to suggest Scotland can actually do something once they reach the knockout rounds.
McDonald described it as incredible that a 1-0 win over Haiti could end Scotland’s 72-year wait to reach the knockouts, adding that avoiding a heavy defeat against Brazil would all but guarantee a spot in the last 32.
On the question of changes, all three panellists are in firm agreement that Scott McKenna should replace Hanley, Aaron Hickey should come in for Nathan Patterson, and Gannon-Doak must start from the first whistle in Miami.
Berry also called for an alternative to Adams up front, suggesting Lawrence Shankland or Ross Stewart could offer something different against Brazil’s defence.
McDonald went further, backing Shankland to get the nod ahead of Adams and calling for McKenna to replace Hanley if Kieran Tierney is fit enough to feature in the game.
Berry also suggested Kenny McLean could provide valuable composure in the middle of the park, a view shared by Newport who highlighted McLean’s ability to keep the ball as vital against a side expected to dominate possession.
The mood among the panel is one of cautious belief mixed with clear-eyed concern, as Scotland prepare for arguably the biggest match the nation has played in a generation.
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