Scotland ended a 28-year World Cup absence under Steve Clarke but their hopes of reaching the knockout stages now rest on an almost impossibly slim set of results.
The Scots were drawn into a brutal Group C alongside Brazil and Morocco, ranked fifth and sixth in the Fifa world rankings respectively, making them the only group featuring two top-10 nations.
Scotland were widely expected to finish third in the group and did exactly that, with their sole victory coming against Haiti in the opening match.
However, four of the 12 third-placed teams will be eliminated, and Scotland currently face an early exit as Cape Verde, Ghana and Bosnia-Herzegovina progress, with DR Congo also expected to advance.
Clarke signed a four-year contract extension before the tournament began, but questions over his management have resurfaced, echoing the criticism he faced following a disappointing Euro 2024.
Former Scotland international Willie Miller, who played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, was candid in his assessment of the performances across all three group games.
“Over the three games you’re definitely looking at below-par performances,” said Miller, describing the lack of a top-class striker as “a major issue” and admitting he was “uncertain about the logic of a few selections.”
Miller did, however, offer Clarke his backing, saying: “He got us there and that’s what the Scotland manager’s job is. He has introduced a real togetherness in the squad as well, which wasn’t always the case.”
With 81 matches in charge, Clarke is Scotland’s longest-serving manager, and support from the Scottish FA has remained strong given the financial rewards of appearing at three of the past four major tournaments.
Former striker James McFadden was particularly critical of Scotland’s defending in the defeats to Morocco and Brazil, saying: “The defending was certainly below the standard we’re used to and the errors were costly.”
McFadden added: “Against Brazil, we gave them two gifts,” though he also noted that “a lot of people think we should have had two penalties and a red card” in the Morocco game.
Pat Nevin, a former international team-mate of Clarke’s at both club and international level, suggested the manager’s tactical approach may have worked against Scotland’s limitations.
“A lack of conservatism was his downfall to a degree – because we’re not good enough to be that open,” said Nevin, adding “I’d have gone with a back five for every game.”
Nevin acknowledged Clarke might feel the pressure but ultimately believed the manager would remain in post, saying: “I think he’s fallen in love with it and he’ll definitely stick it out.”
Stephen O’Donnell, who earned most of his 26 caps under Clarke, offered a more measured defence of the campaign, pointing to the context of Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage after such a long absence.
“We went to our first World Cup in 28 years and got our first win since 1990,” said the 34-year-old Motherwell defender, adding: “I don’t think anyone can realistically be saying we should be getting more than three points.”
O’Donnell acknowledged frustration at the manner of the goals conceded but stressed: “We got beat 4-0 on aggregate by two of the top teams in the world. There’s no shame in that.”
The full-back also pointed to wider progress, saying: “We’ve improved from when Steve Clarke first came in and hopefully there is more to come. You can’t question the success he has had.”
With Euro 2028 set to be co-hosted by Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, automatic qualification will ease some pressure on Clarke, but the debate about the national team’s direction is far from over.
