Scotland score four in first half to beat Bolivia

At a glance

  • Scotland score four first-half goals through Shankland, McTominay and Adams' double

  • Clarke makes 10 outfield substitutions, giving players minutes before World Cup opener against Haiti next Sunday

  • Scotland go into first men's World Cup since 1998 on the back of two four-goal friendly wins

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Sports Illustrated Stadium, New Jersey

Scotland sent out a statement before their first men's World Cup in 28 years with a scarcely-believable final friendly victory against Bolivia at a sweltering Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey.

Four first-half goals had supporters gawping in disbelief - and perhaps even checking the date of the final - as Steve Clarke's side ran riot a week before their Group C opener against Haiti in Boston next Saturday night (Sunday 02:00 BST) - live on the BBC.

Following his two goals in the 4-1 Hampden send-off win against Curacao, Lawrence Shankland strengthened his case to start, heading in early on from captain Andy Robertson's deep cross.

The new Rangers striker wasn't the only forward to make his mark, with starting striking partner Che Adams twice finding the net. First, he tapped in a brilliant Ben Gannon-Doak ball before thundering in a low drive in a dream opening 45 minutes.

The returning Scott McTominay doubled the scoring, the classy midfielder leaving Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra flapping, before Adams got in on the act.

Though they did not add to the outstanding first-half tally, Scotland remained hungry, with Shankland's miss at a clear sight of goal the closest of a bunch of near things.

Last Saturday's win was met with tempered enthusiasm because of the Scots' struggles before Curacao were reduced to 10 players, but there was no playing down this comfortable and commanding performance.

That's probably what will please Clarke the most as he reflects on the game during his journey down to Scotland's base camp in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday and in the build-up to their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998.

Shankland scores again for Scotland

Scotland analysis: Clarke gets everything he wants

Where to start? A wee giggle of disbelief, perhaps?

This was the stuff of dreams for supporters, players and, crucially, Clarke. In his media conference on Friday, he lay out his priorities as "no injuries, performance and result". Check. Check. And check.

When Shankland headed in early on, you could sense that familiar Scottish fear of 'we've peaked too soon'. By the time Adams had scored his second, you could sense that brazen Scottish optimism of 'we're winning the World Cup'.

The reality was somewhere in between. But it cannot be underestimated how easy on the eye the Scots were against the world's 77th best team in New Jersey.

A superb layoff and finish

Gannon-Doak was in dazzling form down the right, while Ryan Christie was equally creative on the opposite flank. It was just so much fun to watch.

In this 4-4-2 shape, goalscorer McTominay looked even better than usual, while both starting strikers getting on the scoresheet ought to please everyone.

While the second half lacked the same excitement, it did not disappoint in energy and enthusiasm as Clarke changed all 10 outfield players.

It largely goes unnoticed in a result like this, but the Scots' stability at the back was formidable as a blunt Bolivia struggled. They had one touch in Angus Gunn's box.

Two years ago, Scotland went into Euro 2024 squandering a two-goal lead at home to Finland. Things felt a bit flat.

That is not the case this time, though, with back-to-back four-goal wins getting the fans believing.

Adams makes it three

What they said

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: "For once, I got everything I asked for - no injuries, a performance and a good result.

"We spoke a lot this week about being more clinical and the front two were good and complemented each other well.

"As we get to this stage, we're as well prepared as we can be. Next week is a different ball game - it's the World Cup, Haiti are a really good side.

"We understand the type of game we're going to get against Haiti; it's up to us to put on a performance and play the way we need to play to get the result."

Scotland goalscorer Lawrence Shankland: "Today was our [alongside Che Adams] first time together from the start, and it worked well at times, so we can be pleased.

"All you can do when you get the opportunity is put your best foot forward and give the manager a decision to make when he's picking his team.

"We've got a really good group, a lot of togetherness in there. No matter who is picked, we will all be ready."

Scotland are putting on a show

Player of the match

B. Gannon-Doak
8.33
14 R. Matheus
4.42
15 G. Villamíl
4.33
16 E. Vaca
4.33
13 M. Paniagua
4.33
7 M. Terceros
4.25
9 D. Ribera
4.25
21 Y. Rocha
4.17
18 G. Centella
4.10
17 R. Fernández
4.08
5 E. Morales
4.08
3 L. Macazaga
4.00
20 C. Melgar
4.00
11 N. Nacif
4.00
4 L. Haquín
3.92
19 O. López
3.90
8 L. Viviani
3.90
23 G. Viscarra
3.77
6 M. Tórrez
3.11
22 L. Zabala
2.82
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