Steve Clarke’s future as Scotland manager is in jeopardy as they face an agonising wait until Sunday to see if they have made it into the World Cup knockout rounds.
Wednesday night was meant to be one of the biggest nights in Scottish football history as the Tartan Army took on Brazil.
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A draw would have guaranteed Clarke’s side heading to the Round of 32 but Brazil cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory, which featured a Vinicius Junior brace.
The boss was visibly emotional following the loss and admitted that Scotland were likely heading home before he stormed out of his interview.
The Tartan Army’s 28-year wait to play in the World Cup has been underwhelming, only scoring one goal against Haiti and conceding four.
Many of Clarke’s decision have confused Scotland fans, such as his preference for Lyndon Dykes over Lawrence Shankland, who netted 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Scotland fans in Miami called for the sacking of the former Reading manager last night as they reacted to their damaging defeat.
One told eSPORTY: “It was stupidity [to hand him a new contract], who gets a new contract on the eve of a f****** tournament? It’s stupid.
“I like Steve Clarke but wait until we see how we get on, it’s simple, wait and see the tournament out.”
Another called eSPORTY Breakfast: “We’ve had a lot of fun trying to support the Tartan Army and Scotland but last night was just embarrassing.
“You cannot support Steve Clarke anymore, the fact he had a four-year contract before we even went there [the World Cup], it’s an embarrassment for Scotland and it makes us the laughing stock of Britain right now.”
Some fans had some choice words regarding Wednesday night’s action:
Steve Clarke’s contract
Before a ball had been kicked at the international tournament, the Scotland head coach signed a new deal committing his future to the national team until the 2030 World Cup.
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The Scottish FA hope the 62-year-old will lead the Tartan Army to the UK and Ireland co-hosted Euros in 2028 and then the World Cup again in four years’ time.
Clarke was appointed in May 2019 after he guided Kilmarnock to third in the Scottish Premiership.
Since being at the helm, he has led Scotland to three major tournaments, yet missed out on the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Clarke has already become the longest-serving manager in Scottish history, taking charge of 81 games and winning 36 of them.
The manager has been able to get goals from Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Scott McTominay under his tenure, with both players having a combined total of 34.
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However, the Scottish FA made it clear with their new offer that they would not rest on the achievement of qualification.
They said: “On behalf of the board I am delighted that we have agreed with Steve to continue as men’s head coach.
“His record speaks for itself: three finals tournament qualifications out of four, including consecutive Euros finals and, of course, an imminent World Cup return after nearly three decades.
“Beyond that, he has built a squad that the nation has taken to its heart, making Barclays Hampden a fortress once again. During our discussions about the future, we were all agreed that we cannot rest on our achievements or ever take qualification for granted.
“The passion and enthusiasm with which he discussed that road map emphasises that this will not simply be a continuation but a renewed purpose and focus over the next four years.”
Additionally, sacking the boss would be a massive financial risk for the Scottish FA and could cost them an estimated £1.5million to £2million in a direct contractual payout
A rash decision?
Despite the disappointing scoreline against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Scotland legend Kevin Gallacher is still backing the under-fire manager.
He told eSPORTY Breakfast: “I’m all for Steve Clarke. I know him, he was my coach when I was at Newcastle, he was up and coming and worked under Bobby Robson, he had his own philosophies.
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” Speaking to some of the players, they all understand what he’s about. He can change games, he can move teams around a bit. I think the issue at the minute is that we worry too much about the opposition and I think that puts a bit of fear factor into players as well.
“For me, I don’t know why people would say Steve is not good enough for the job at the minute. Two Euros, a World Cup, he’s become the best Scottish manager of all-time.
“It’s just another blip for us at the minute and we will keep our legs, arms and fingers crossed that the results go right for us.”
