Pub chain Fuller’s hopes for bumper summer from World Cup and staycations
Fuller’s pub chain gears up for a busy summer with World Cup matches and staycations!
The Guardian World1 min read
'Different' Clarke bids to smash Scotland's glass ceiling
TL;DR
Steve Clarke is leading Scotland into their first men's World Cup since 1998, bringing a renewed sense of optimism. The 62-year-old coach ended a 23-year absence from major tournaments with Euro 2020.
Key points
- Steve Clarke is the head coach of Scotland's men's national team
- Scotland is participating in their first men's World Cup since 1998
- Clarke ended a 23-year absence from major tournaments with Euro 2020
- There is a renewed sense of optimism around the team
Mentioned in this story
Steve Clarke
Scotland
Figure caption,
Head coach Steve Clarke is leading Scotland into their first men's World Cup since 1998
"This time, it's a different Steve Clarke."
The Scotland boss feels like a new man - and he is sensing a fresh wave of optimism as he leads his team into a third major tournament.
The 62-year-old ended a finals absence of more than two decades when he guided the men's national side to the Covid-impacted Euro 2020.
Play-off heartache in their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup was followed by the Scots roaring their way to Euro 2024.
"I've not really enjoyed the previous two tournaments if I'm being honest," Clarke tells BBC Scotland in a candid interview.
So why? Reduced crowds, two group games at Hampden and another at Wembley "didn't give the feel of a tournament" at Euro 2020, he says.
On their showing in Germany two years ago, he adds: "We let ourselves down. We didn't play as well as we should have done and I probably didn't make the decisions that I should have."
Clarke is convinced he and his players have learned from those experiences and are now in a position to "break that glass ceiling" by progressing to a historic knockout tie.
"What we've achieved up to now is great," he says. "Let's see if we can achieve a little bit more."
'Now we have to show tournament experience'
Clarke points out that a high number of his squad have tournament experience. A chunk of them have two tournaments' worth.
"Now we have to show that tournament experience in a tournament," he says.
That starts on Sunday (02:00 BST) when a World Cup group opener against Haiti officially ends Scotland's 28-year absence from football's grandest stage.
Even after the astonishing qualification-clinching victory against Denmark in November, there was a shift in mood following underwhelming displays in back-to-back friendly defeats against Japan and Ivory Coast.
That intensified somewhat when news broke that Clarke had penned a new four-year deal at the end of last month.
But the vibe around the national team has changed, with Clarke notably positive after warming up for the tournament with a 4-1 win over 10-man Curacao before smashing Bolivia 4-0.
That positivity will still amount to cautious optimism for most of the Tartan Army. Clarke acknowledges these positive vibes are yet to be transferred to competitive football.
There is no denying confidence is quietly bubbling away, though. The Scotland boss referenced it himself but stressed his players are not "over-confident".
"They understand the challenges ahead and when they come, we'll be ready for them," he adds.
Q&A
When was the last time Scotland's men's team played in a World Cup?
Scotland's men's team last played in a World Cup in 1998.
What major tournament did Steve Clarke lead Scotland to before the World Cup?
Steve Clarke led Scotland to Euro 2020, marking their return to a major tournament after over two decades.
How old is Steve Clarke and what is his role?
Steve Clarke is 62 years old and is the head coach of the Scotland men's national football team.
What is the significance of Scotland qualifying for the World Cup under Clarke?
Scotland qualifying for the World Cup under Clarke signifies a major achievement, ending a long absence from the tournament and fostering national optimism.
