Scotland secured a much-needed victory against Liechtenstein in an international friendly, providing a sigh of relief after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park. The win, though perhaps not spectacular, is crucial for restoring confidence and building momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
Adams Scores, Scotland Prevails
Che Adams' goal marked the first for a Scottish striker since Lawrence Shankland's effort against Finland last June, and Adams' own first since netting against Gibraltar in the same window. This goal provided much-needed relief for both the player and the team, signaling a potential return to form.
Lewis Ferguson had emphasized the importance of avoiding panic after the Iceland loss, stressing the need for a win against Liechtenstein to regain some confidence. The team delivered, albeit against a lower-ranked opponent.
Lineup Changes and Opportunities
Manager Steve Clarke made several changes to the lineup, providing opportunities for players like Tony Ralston and incoming Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan. Ralston started at right-back, while Doohan was given the nod in goal after Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie became unavailable. The starting XI also featured Lennon Miller alongside Ferguson and Billy Gilmour in midfield.
Challenges and Looking Ahead
While the victory is a positive step, Scotland faces a challenging World Cup qualifying campaign against Denmark, Greece, and Belarus. The team will need to build on this win and address the issues that led to their recent struggles, including a 3-0 playoff defeat to Greece in March that resulted in relegation to League B in the UEFA Nations League.
- Scotland's form needs to improve significantly.
- Key players need to perform consistently.
- Tactical adjustments may be necessary to overcome stronger opponents.
The focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming qualifiers, where Scotland will aim to secure a place in North America next summer.