Scotland manager Steve Clarke has resigned after being dumped out of the World Cup. The Tartan Army’s exit was confirmed after Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana meant they couldn’t qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.
John McGinn made history with his effort, earning a first win in 36 years as Scotland beat Haiti to put themselves in a great position for the round of 32. However, defeats to Morocco and Brazil, with the 3-0 loss to Carlo Ancelotti’s men proving fatal to their hopes due to the irreparable damage to their goal difference.
Following their defeat on Wednesday, Scotland needed favours from groups across the tournament as their minus three goal difference saw them drop down the standings to qualify for the last-32 via the trap door as the best third-placed team. The news comes a month after the former Newcastle United and Chelsea assistant manager signed a four-year deal ahead of the tournament.
OPINION
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The 62-year-old said in a statement: “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now. They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”
Pressure had been mounting on Clarke despite qualifying for the World Cup on a famous night at Hampden Park when they beat Denmark. The 62-year-old saw his side subjected to jeers during their preparations for the historic tournament, including in the defeat to Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm-up match at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Following the friendly on Merseyside, captain Andy Robertson said: “If we don’t get the result we just get booed.
“What I will say is that 95 per cent of the fans drowned it out very quickly. It’s a small minority, it was a small minority at Hampden. When we were clapping the fans behind the goal was fans that were appreciative of what they’ve seen and appreciative of the team that took them to the World Cup. The reception at the end was unbelievable.
“I don’t know if they just want to boo for the sake of it. To me, that was not a booing performance. I hate getting beat but there were a lot of positives to take.”
The Scotland boss also came underfire for his blunt post-match reaction in the wake of their defeat to Brazil as a Vinicius Jr double all-but ended ny knockout hopes. Clarke stormed out of the interview after two early mistakes gifted the record World Cup holders a stranglehold in the must-not-lose showdown with the head coach keen not to contemplate the next steps.
View 2 ImagesA World Cup that had so much promise for Scotland ended in tatters as the inquest continues.(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
When Scotland’s World Cup hopes hung in the balance in the days after their 3-0 defeat, bookmakers launched markets on who could replace the 62-year-old. Among those mooted were Everton’s David Moyes, former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, Barry Ferguson and Taetan Army youth boss Scott Gemmill.
Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA’s chief executive, paid tribute to Clarke for restoring the nation’s faith in the national team during his seven-year tenure.
Under his guidance, Scotland returned to major tournaments after qualifying for Euro 2024 in Germany and the current World Cup across America, Canada and Mexico. Maxwell said: “While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge.
“From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.
“We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again.
“Finally, on behalf of the board of the Scottish FA I would like to make special mention to our incredible supporters. The many thousands who have travelled to the United States to celebrate the return to a World Cup – making a significant financial commitment to do so – have once again shown themselves to be exceptional ambassadors for our country and our national game.”
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