Scotland are currently embarking on their first World Cup experience since 1998, but it has not been all plain sailing for Steve Clarke’s side in North America.
They stuttered past Haiti in their opening game, before a poor performance saw them lose to Morocco in the next one. The game against the African nation was certainly a reminder of the step up in quality required at World Cup level.
Scotland have a huge amount of supporters at this tournament, ones who deserve better performances on the pitch. While it remains to be seen how they will ultimately fare at the World Cup, some feel their problems run much deeper than those on the field of play.
Ian Wright criticises Scottish football at World Cup
It’s fair to say that Scottish football has not reached its potential over the last couple of decades, with their domestic league struggling for finances and falling behind some of their European competitors.
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Considering the fanatical following from supporters in the country, some feel they deserve better.
Speaking on ITV, Ian Wright suggested that those running football in Scotland had short-changed their fans with the poor effort they have made to grow the game in recent times.
Two shots on target in two games.
I feel sorry for Scotland, I feel sorry for the fans, I feel sorry for everything. Laura [Woods] asked me a question the other day about what Scotland can do next. I think it goes a lot deeper than that.
Look at Norway, a country the same size as Scotland. 6,000 or 7,000 they’re averaging on a weekly basis in attendances (in their domestic league), Scotland are averaging 16,000.
But Norway have managed to get a broadcast deal that is £25million more a year than Scotland. Obviously they have a better commercial outfit than them.
As the same time, if you look at Scotland and their raw materials, you’re looking at amazing attendances, talent, storylines, grassroots participation.
Somebody in Scotland is letting down this country on a massive scale. They’re very proud of them all over the world, the tourists.
They’ve got to do more. It’s got to be a bolder, braver, vision for Scottish football.
A fair point.
Scotland have struggled in comparison to nations of similar resources in recent times, with Norway a good example. While the Norwegians are only now returning to major tournaments, the work they have put in at youth level is likely to pay dividends over the coming years.
Scottish supporters will no doubt hope that this World Cup appearance could lead to similar improvements for their national team in the not too distant future.