Scotland thrash Curacao in World Cup warm-up but Steve Clarke 'not happy'

Scotland announce their World Cup squad this summer

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 30/05/2026

- 15:59

Scotland 4-1 Curacao: Lawrence Shankland double helps Tartan Army to big win days before World Cup

Scotland recovered from an early setback to defeat Curacao 4-1 at Hampden Park this afternoon, securing their first home friendly triumph in ten years ahead of next month's World Cup.

Lawrence Shankland netted twice in quick succession during the second half, with his goals coming within four minutes and 46 seconds of each other.


The newly confirmed Rangers signing, whose summer transfer from Hearts was announced this week, strengthened his case for a starting spot at the tournament.

Steve Clarke's side fell behind when former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong gave Dick Advocaat's visitors a surprise lead in the 17th minute.

Ryan Christie made it 4-1 from the penalty spot against Curacao

Ryan Christie made it 4-1 from the penalty spot against Curacao

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REUTERS

The match turned decisively when Curacao were reduced to ten men, allowing Scotland to mount their comeback against the Caribbean nation set to become the smallest country ever to appear at a World Cup finals.

Chong's opener was a moment of individual brilliance, as he latched onto a long ball forward, accelerated past John Souttar and slotted a left-footed effort inside the post.

The visitors' hopes of causing an upset evaporated when striker Jurgen Locadia was dismissed following a VAR review, his initial yellow card for catching Aaron Hickey with a forearm upgraded to red.

Billy Gilmour departed with what appeared to be a knee problem, but his replacement Findlay Curtis made an immediate impact by equalising just before the interval.

At 19 years and 241 days old, Curtis became Scotland's youngest goalscorer since Danny Wilson found the net against the Faroe Islands in November 2010.

Findlay Curtis made an immediate impact by equalising just before the interval

Findlay Curtis made an immediate impact by equalising just before the interval

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REUTERS

Ryan Christie converted from the spot nine minutes from time after Curtis was fouled in the area.

Clarke admitted he was dissatisfied with his team's opening period despite the comfortable final scoreline.

"I've got to be honest, I wasn't happy with the start," the Scotland manager said.

"The game didn't reflect how well Curacao actually played, the scoreline ran away from them a little bit. At 11v11, we had a little bit of work to do."

He explained that several players needed match time having featured sparingly during the latter part of the club season.

Regarding Gilmour's fitness, Clarke expressed cautious optimism: "We're not too sure how bad Billy Gilmour's injury is right now. He will be assessed overnight, fingers crossed that the wee man is fine."

The manager emphasised that success in North America would require contributions from the entire squad rather than relying solely on first-choice players.

Steve Clarke gave an injury update on Billy Gilmour, who was forced off

Steve Clarke gave an injury update on Billy Gilmour, who was forced off

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REUTERS

Scotland depart for the United States tomorrow, where they will face Bolivia in New Jersey on 7 June as their final warm-up fixture.

Clarke indicated that a strong lineup would feature for approximately 60 to 65 minutes against Bolivia, with the focus on acclimatising to conditions across the Atlantic.

The World Cup opener against Haiti takes place in Boston a week after the Bolivia match, with Clarke having noted that Curacao, ranked 82nd globally, provided useful preparation for facing Haiti, positioned one place lower.

"The players were angry with themselves for missing out on Qatar 2022 and in Germany, so hopefully they can use that as fuel to make sure we give ourselves a really good chance of getting out of the group," Clarke said.

The tournament represents Scotland's first men's World Cup appearance in 28 years.