Shankland and Curtis Shine in Scotland's Win Over Curacao
For much of the first hour at Hampden, Lawrence Shankland was a peripheral figure, overshadowed by George Hirst, Scotland's primary striker. Shankland moved extensively but often away from his most effective positions, dropping deep and wide to support Hirst, sacrificing his natural role as the leading forward.
He was largely on the fringes during a tense farewell to Hampden before the team departs for the United States on Sunday. However, the situation changed dramatically as Shankland advanced into more threatening areas and scored twice with two precise finishes.
Shankland is, by a clear margin, Steve Clarke's most accomplished striker. It is hoped that this performance reinforces his status. The era of Che Adams starting major matches appears to be over, with Shankland now the preferred choice, especially in critical moments in America where Scotland's survival in the tournament is at stake.
When Shankland scored to make it 2-1 and then 3-1, Scotland's hard work against a ten-man Curacao side—ranked 82nd in the world—became more rewarding. Prior to those goals, Scotland risked an early exit, with the Tartan Army prepared to bid farewell with disappointment.
The turning point came when Curacao's Jurgen Locadio, a powerful forward, was sent off in the 38th minute for an elbow on Aaron Hickey. At that moment, Curacao led 1-0, and Scotland were struggling, with the stadium atmosphere subdued.
Locadio's dismissal significantly weakened Curacao's chances and paved the way for Scotland's comeback, a result neither the visitors nor Clarke desired.
Match Highlights and Tactical Considerations
Despite the final 4-1 scoreline, when both teams had eleven players, Curacao arguably played better and held the lead. Their physical and powerful approach troubled Scotland's defense, and they appeared comfortable in control.
While the 4-1 victory should not be overanalyzed, it provided a welcome boost after a precarious situation at 1-0. Scotland will take this result and proceed with reasonable confidence.
The team received a warm reception during their post-match walkabout. Their next destination is New Jersey, where they will play a final preparatory match against Bolivia next Saturday.
Shankland is expected to travel in excellent form. Clarke's striker hierarchy likely placed Adams as the first choice previously, but Shankland's recent performances challenge that view.
The quality of Shankland's goals—both requiring skill and composure—may influence Clarke's selection decisions. The Rangers striker, following his recent transfer from Hearts, is in exceptional form: a leader, a clinical finisher, and the most instinctive forward available to Clarke.
Findlay Curtis will also be part of the squad. The 19-year-old winger described the selection as
"Everything I've dreamed of."Curtis impressed during his late-season performances at Kilmarnock and came on as a substitute for the injured Billy Gilmour just before halftime.
He entered a challenging situation on only his second international appearance: a quiet crowd, a team struggling against an opponent with momentum, and a lack of cohesion.
Curtis scored within three minutes of entering the match with a left-footed finish, marking his first international goal. His parents watched from Tenerife, where they were on holiday.
Scotland lacks depth on the left side, and Curtis is making a strong case as an impactful substitute during difficult moments. He contributed crosses, created opportunities, and played with fearless determination, likely impressing Clarke. Curtis also won the penalty converted by Ryan Christie to make the score 4-1, as Scotland intensified pressure on Curacao's depleted side.
The match concluded on a positive note after a somewhat surreal day. Speculation about what might have occurred had Locadio not been sent off is best avoided.
Looking Ahead to World Cup Selection
One more friendly remains before Clarke finalizes his squad for the World Cup opener against Haiti. Tactical decisions remain open: whether to deploy a back four or back three, a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 formation, and which strikers to select—Adams, Shankland, or both.
Clarke faces considerable pressure from supporters advocating for Shankland as the primary striker. The evidence supporting this is substantial.
Shankland scored his 22nd and 23rd goals in his last 37 matches during this game. Throughout the season, he has consistently found the net, never going more than three games without scoring. He has five goals in five matches in May, two in three in April, and nine in 13 this year.
He is in peak condition and form, with impeccable timing.
Clarke remarked that his players remain motivated by their disappointment in Germany two years ago, intending to use that experience as fuel. Before that tournament, they vowed not to leave with regrets, but they did, and those regrets persist.
The challenge in America is to avoid repeating past mistakes. The time for reflection is over; now is the time for action. The tournament is imminent.
Get in Touch
Send your views on the Scotland football team.
