Scots chase history on return to global stage

Scotland returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, determined not to just make up the numbers, as Steve Clarke's side aims to finally end generations of group-stage heartbreak.

In 12 previous attempts at major tournaments, Scotland has fallen just short of making the knockout stages.

However, the new format at the first-ever 48-team finals offers hope that the hex can be broken, despite a difficult draw.

An opener against Caribbean minnow Haiti in Boston is a must-win in the eyes of the thousands of fans heading across the Atlantic, with the might of African champion Morocco and five-time champion Brazil to come in Group C.

Even defeat in its final two games might not be fatal for the Scots' chances if it can put Haiti to the sword in style, as eight of the 12 third-placed teams progress to the final 32.

For an experienced core that includes Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Napoli's Scott McTominay, this could be Scotland's one and only chance to make an impact on the World Cup.

The trio has played a massive role in getting their country to three major tournaments in the past five years, including two European Cups and ending a 28-year absence at the World Cup.

But, excitement at qualification for Euro 2020 and 2024 quickly turned to despair, as Scotland crashed out of both of those tournaments without winning a single game.

"We've been to two major tournaments. This will be our third, and, hopefully, the experience of the boys that have been to major tournaments before will come to the fore and we'll do something that no Scottish team has ever done before," said Clarke when announcing his squad.

Experienced core 'crucial'

McTominay's overhead kick in a 4-2 victory over Denmark that secured qualification has already been etched into national folklore and printed on a special edition Scottish banknote.

The former Manchester United midfielder, alongside McGinn, will be relied upon for goals in a squad short of proven international strikers.

Clarke also has scarce options to choose from in goal, where 43-year-old Craig Gordon is in contention to start, despite limited minutes at club level with Scottish Premiership runner-up Hearts, this season.

"This core of very experienced players is crucial," former Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh told reporters. "I know it will be difficult, but if they could replicate the way they played against Denmark in the final qualifier, they will certainly have a good chance.

"We can be optimistic here that they can achieve, for the first time, qualification to the knockout phase."

Time is of the essence for an ageing squad, with only five members under the age of 26.

But one of the few youngsters, Bournemouth's 20-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak, will be crucial to add much-needed pace and guile in the final third.

"My whole generation doesn't really remember it, and now we get to lead our country to a World Cup. It'll be one of the proudest things I've ever done in my career," said Robertson, a Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool.

"We've been very fortunate to qualify for two Euros, but the World Cup is a step up from that."

The Tartan Army are dreaming that, this time, the players can make that step up and give them a tournament to remember.