Soccer
Prediction: Lawrence Shankland to score hat-trick for Scotland
Best Odds: 14/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Scotland and Curacao will lock horns with each other in a friendly international this weekend. The match between Steve Clarke’s side and Dick Advocaat’s team will be held at Hampden Park in Glasgow and is scheduled to kick off at 1pm UK time on May 30.
Scotland
Scotland did extremely well to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals and are looking forward to the competition. Steve Clarke’s side are in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
Clarke signed a new contract with Scotland that will take him through to the 2030 World Cup finals.
The Scotsman said: “I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men’s World Cup in 28 years and I’m proud to continue as Head Coach.
“I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group in qualifying for back-to-back EUROs and equally sure the whole nation rejoiced in our qualification for World Cup 2026 after such a long time.
“It’s very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and make the country proud in the America this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term and it is a privilege to continue in this role.
“Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as Head Coach. It’s important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new Chief Football Officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams.
“For now, it’s all about preparing for the World Cup, starting against Curaçao this weekend.”
Team News:
Gunn will be in goal for Scotland. Patterson, Hendry, McKenna and Tierney will be the defenders. Gilmour, McLean and Christie will be the three midfielders. Gannon-Doak, Shankland and McGinn will be deployed in attack.
Curacao
Curacao will play in the 2026 World Cup finals this summer. This is the first time that the CONCACAF side will play in the world’s biggest footballing tournament.
Dick Advocaat is back as the manager of Curacao following his decision to resign in February due to personal reasons. The Blue Wave have been placed in Group E of the 2026 World Cup finals and have been pitted against Germany, the Ivory Coast ad Ecuador.
Curacao have lost their last two friendly matches. They suffered a 2-0 defeat to China in Sydney on March 27 before suffering a 5-1 loss to Australia in Melbourne four days later.
Team News:
Curacao are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Scotland. Room will be in goal. Sambo, Van Eijma, Obispo and Floranus will be the four defenders. L. Bacuna, Roemeratoe and J. Bacuna will be deployed in midfield. Hansen, Locadia and Chong will be deployed in attack.
Key Factors to Consider
- This will be the first time that Scotland and Curacao have faced off on the international stage.
- Scotland have lost three of their last four home friendlies, losing to Finland, Iceland and Japan.
- Curacao conceded just 5 goals in 10 games in the World Cup qualifiers.
- Curacao have lost their last 2 friendly matches.
- Scotland have lost their last 2 friendly matches.
Conclusion
Scotland have a much better team than Curacao, and even though neither side are in good form, Steve Clarke’s team should eke out a narrow win from this particular friendly international match.
Prediction: Lawrence Shankland to score hat-trick for Scotland
Best Odds: 14/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Read MoreJamie Jones