Scotland's much-anticipated return to the World Cup stage after a 28-year hiatus proved to be a brief affair, lasting only about 28 minutes of effective play according to one assessment. The team's initial lead against Haiti on June 14, scored by John McGinn, was seen as a potential catalyst for a new era, but the subsequent performance led to disappointment.
The immediate aftermath of the tournament has been characterized by a post-mortem of the campaign. While negativity is understandable, there are efforts to identify reasons for future optimism. One player who has emerged with enhanced reputation is midfielder Lewis Ferguson.
Ferguson's Standout Performances
Ferguson, who plays for Bologna, has been highlighted as a player whose reputation has grown, even in the face of early elimination. His strong performances in midfield led to questions about why his starting position was ever in doubt. He played every minute of Scotland's qualification matches for the finals, with only a suspension ruling him out of one game. During the tournament, Ferguson was noted for his willingness to take responsibility and his consistent play on the ball. His work rate off the ball was also described as relentless, with one observation suggesting he appeared to be in multiple places on the park against Brazil. With the captaincy potentially needing a future replacement for Andy Robertson, Ferguson is seen as a strong candidate. Manager Steve Clarke, or a successor, may look to build the national team around players like Ferguson, whose quality and character are seen as suitable for top-level play. His current form has reportedly attracted interest from European clubs, with suggestions of a swap deal for Nicolas Raskin at Rangers being dismissed as a move Ferguson should avoid.
Shifting Playing Style
Despite losses, including a 1-0 defeat to Morocco, there were positive observations about Scotland's tactical approach. The team was considered to have played better in the second half against Morocco, with claims of at least one missed penalty award for a foul on McGinn. There was a visible confidence in the team's ball movement, and while issues in the final third persisted, the effort was evident.
For stretches, Scotland's build-up play was deemed decent, and they managed to disrupt Morocco's possession at times. While a more direct, attritional style might have yielded different results, the attempt to play progressive football, moving the ball through the opposition rather than relying solely on long passes, was seen as a notable change. This shift, though perhaps experimented with in a high-stakes tournament, could provide a foundation for upcoming Nations League campaigns and Euro 2028 qualifiers.
Gannon-Doak's Potential
Ben Gannon-Doak, a 20-year-old player, showed flashes of his capabilities despite not fully meeting expectations during the group stage. The team's tactics, however, did not always play to his strengths, with teammates often passing to his feet rather than looking for him with balls over the top. This placed a significant onus on him to create opportunities independently, a task deemed too great against opponents like Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil. 