One hundred and seven days later, we’re still pinching ourselves. It wasn’t a dream. Scotland are going to the World Cup.
And in 100 days, they will end their 28-year wait and play ball again on the biggest stage of them all against Haiti on Sunday June 14 at 02:00 BST – live on the BBC.
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As the countdown goes on, things get a little more real. But only a little bit.
Scouting reports of stars from Brazil, Morocco and Haiti being hastily dismissed in group chats, Steve Clarke has his Scotland team’s base camp settled in Charlotte and the Tartan Army know they can don their sporrans in stadiums in the United States.
But many questions still arise for the head coach. Here, BBC Scotland takes a look at some of them.
Who is a fan of goals?
As has been the case of late, Scotland are suffering something of a goalkeeping crisis.
Craig Gordon was heroic between the sticks in November, despite conceding three goals in Athens and two against the Danes at Hampden.
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However, the 43-year-old was almost excluded this month’s friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast due to a shoulder injury.
The Hearts goalkeeper has missed the Scottish Premiership leaders’ last two matches, having been on the bench for the previous four games.
This is also where Angus Gunn has been spending his time recently. Although that’s an improvement considering he missed 10 Premier League matchday squads for Nottingham Forest with a knee injury in November and December.
Liam Kelly has kept two clean sheets in his two games for Rangers since Scotland qualified for the World Cup (both in the Scottish Cup), while Falkirk’s Scott Bain remains the only goalkeeper Clarke has recently included in his squads to play regular football.
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The 34 year old man told BBC Scotland Earlier this week, he was “really hopeful” about participating in this month’s camp, which could play a crucial role in realizing his dream of playing in the tournament this summer.
Who could make a late run?
It’ll have to be a pretty decent run to catch the attention of the fiercely loyal Clarke, mind you.
For Euro 2024, Celtic winger James Forrest timed his resurgence perfectly and flew to Germany, while Bristol City defender Ross McCrorie was the only uncapped player there.
Ryan Jack was something of an outsider, given his lack of playing time at Rangers, but the midfielder had long been one of Clarke’s trusted servants.
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Current Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak, then uncapped, was named in the squad, but was forced out due to injury.
Aside from that, many could have easily named Clarke’s team. Nothing has really changed since then, the head coach rarely shaking up his team.
He still surprises us sometimes – and has previously said “there’s always room for an underdog” – and this month’s doubleheader could allow for a shock inclusion or two since there are a few regulars struggling with injuries.
Former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan called for Oli McBurnie to be involved. The 29-year-old Hull City striker, who last played for his country five years ago, has scored 13 goals in 21 league appearances this season.
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(Getty Images)
Further back, Stephen O’Donnell has made his case for a recall thanks to his fine form at top-flight club Motherwell. And the 33-year-old isn’t the only Steelman involved in the punters’ conversation, with uncapped Stephen Welsh and ex-cap Paul McGinn also being touted.
All three have played a central role in the Fir Park side’s incredible defensive record – conceding just 18 goals in 28 games – this season. It is one of the best in Europe.
Heart of Midlothian are another team that has people across the continent worried, with Harry Milne one of the Premiership’s standout performers.
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However, left-back is an area where the Scots are rather fortunate, with Clarke recently bringing in Josh Doig from Sassuolo to replace Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey.
How are the preparations going?
Although team selection is largely in the hands of the head coach, some things beyond his control cause a bit of a stir.
Most notably, the dispute between bosses in the town of Foxborough – home to Gillette Stadium, which is due to host Scotland’s first two group matches against Haiti and Morocco – and those responsible for funding security over a reported loss of earnings.
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However, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey insisted “the World Cup is going to take place”.
“It will be in Massachusetts,” she said. “It’s going to be great to have people from all over the world and see our great state.”
Another state the Scots will see is New Jersey. There is just a bit of uncertainty regarding the opposition.
Although it was not officially announced, it was Understood Scotland’s final pre-tournament friendly was due to take place against Peru.
However, he appears Spain will now face Peru, forcing the Scots to find another opponent for the June 6 match.
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Clarke has expressed his desire to face a South American nation and Venezuela has been widely cited as a replacement.
There will also be a new face opposite Clarke for Scotland’s second game in the final, in Mohamed Ouahbi, after Morocco parted ways with its coach Walid Regragui THURSDAY.
The 50-year-old led them to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup – the first African team to reach that stage of the tournament – and to the final of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in Morocco.
Senegal won a chaotic and controversial centerpiecein what turned out to be Regragui’s final match in charge.
