Football often leaves fans disappointed, but when that feeling comes from a friendly game, is it pre-empting what is to come?

Scotland’s two friendlies over the weekend and on Tuesday night were a chance for the Tartan Army to gear themselves up for the excitement of the East Coast of America—a chance to get behind the boys and showcase the passion they would bring to the World Cup stage. What transpired, however, was far from this feeling. The sense of euphoria from that special November night quickly turned to panic as Scotland lost to both Japan and the Ivory Coast.

On Saturday night, Scotland looked totally lost against Japan, who appeared well organised and certainly a force to be reckoned with. They came with intensity and a desire to play with the ball—an object Scotland wanted rid of like a hot potato.

For Scotland, nobody was commanding the ball or taking charge of the situation. Many looked uncomfortable when going forward, and certain individuals reverted to kicking it back to the keeper rather than driving up the pitch.

We lacked any real quality in front of goal, other than McTominay’s effort, which came back off the post. Japan most certainly outranked us in terms of effort on goal, with their seven shots to our three. Our touches in the opposition box across 90 minutes of dismal football were a mere 10—that averages one touch in their box every nine minutes.

Tuesday night in Liverpool against the Ivory Coast showed signs of a bit of life among the Scotland squad, but nothing that would make you break the bank for a trip west. We created more chances going forward and certainly gave the Ivorians a bit of bother; ultimately, the gaps still showed for us.

The final third is becoming a real concern for Scotland. We appear to lack a considerable amount of quality when we reach the goal. On Tuesday, we lacked any direct outlet in the attacking channels. The strikers appeared absent, and neither Che Adams nor George Hirst, who started, nor Lyndon Dykes, who came on, made a name for themselves or gave any reason to be first-choice striker. Tommy Conway, on the other hand, showed a bit of passion and intensity when he came on for the final 15 minutes—a prospect I’d certainly have as number two striker once Shankland returns to the fold.

In fairness to the strikers, they maybe couldn’t have had a great opportunity, as the ball failed on numerous occasions to reach them. The passing in the final third was a sight to behold for the Ivorians, as nine times out of ten we gave them back possession and couldn’t find a man in blue to aim for. This is definitely a problem that must be addressed before a trip to the World Cup.

Defensively, Scotland were poor in both matches. They appeared easy to cut through and were split wide open due to the sheer pace of the Ivorians. The only saving grace in defence in the second half of the Ivory Coast match was that Scott Bain was subbed on between the sticks and looked sharp in goal. For the World Cup, the defence has got to sharpen up and inject a bit of youth and speed into the back line.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the entire set of friendlies was that Steve Clarke gave very little game time to certain players. I’m not saying he has to completely deviate from those he trusts, but why take the likes of Lennon Miller and Findlay Curtis and give them no minutes or very little game time?

Both of these youngsters are the future of Scottish football, and I can’t fathom why, in a friendly where results don’t matter, he wouldn’t allow them time to prove themselves and battle for a place in the World Cup squad.

Overall, it was a disappointing weekend for Scotland at a time when they needed momentum going into a competition of this magnitude. They looked downtrodden and lacklustre. As the saying goes, the only way is up—and hopefully Scotland can find some form of motivation for the World Cup; otherwise, have the TV remotes at the ready, as we may be switching off from it early.

Louise Davidson

I have a keen interest in sport journalism and broadcasting.