Steve Clarke Remains Cautious Ahead of Poland Match Despite Scotland’s Recent Victory

Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, expressed that he is “still a little bit uptight” despite his team ending their prolonged winless streak with a triumph over Croatia. However, he stated that his team approaches Monday’s match against Poland with the prospect of a potentially significant victory. John McGinn’s 19th goal for his country secured Scotland’s initial competitive win since their 3-0 triumph over Cyprus in September 2023. This result sustains their aspirations of securing a second-place finish in Nations League A Group 1. For Scotland to achieve their objective, they must secure a victory in Warsaw on Monday, while simultaneously Croatia must suffer a defeat against Portugal in Split, alongside a three-goal difference in their favor. Given that a top seeding for World Cup qualifying and a quarter-final berth are at stake, Clarke indicated he is not permitting himself to unwind. He stated, “The first job is to go there and win.” Clarke added, “We’ll count up the goals and whatever else afterwards.” He further emphasized, “Let’s take it one step at a time, it’s been a hell of a long time since we got a win so it’d be nice to get another.” Regarding the ongoing pressure, he commented, “For me the pressure is not released. I still feel a little bit uptight. Just with the nature of the game when it’s so tight going into the end you’re always waiting on that low blow that’s affected us a few times recently.” Throughout this Nations League campaign, Scotland has occasionally demonstrated strong performances, yet often without securing the victories that their play might have merited. In the match against Croatia, they gained an advantage from the first-half ruling to dismiss Petar Sucic following a lenient second yellow card, with Clarke remarking that his team “were due” such a stroke of luck. He acknowledged, “The sending off changed the game.” Clarke continued, “This is a group of players that want to be successful. That’s another clean sheet, two in a row. If you don’t concede goals you always have a chance to win the game.” Although McGinn netted the winning goal, it was the 19-year-old Ben Doak who propelled Scotland’s attack in the second half, supplying the vigor and momentum that the national squad has frequently missed in crucial matches. The forward, on loan from Liverpool to Middlesbrough this season, has made a notable impact, translating his club performance to the international arena by unsettling Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol with his speed and deceptive maneuvers. Regarding the former Celtic youth player, Clarke commented, “He’s come into the team, he’s shown a really positive attitude, he gives us something different to what we’ve had before.” He added, “He gets the assist for the goal, could maybe have had a couple more, maybe have scored one himself.” Clarke concluded, “He’s a young player we need to protect and look after but realise that he’s good for now and hopefully for a long time in the future.” Doak recorded the highest number of touches within Croatia’s penalty area among all Scottish players, generated the most scoring opportunities, and displayed a boldness often unique to young athletes. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin stated on BBC Radio 5 live, “He has got a lot of things – ridiculous pace, good skills and no lack of belief.” Nevin further remarked, “Tonight was a breakthrough. Coming of age at 19 is saying a lot, but he is very, very special. At this point in time, he looks undroppable for Scotland.” Doak himself minimized his contribution. Doak commented, “I just try and do what’s best for the team and do what I’m good at.” He added, “If one of my actions leads to winning the game then that’s great.” Doak concluded, “I know I’m one of the younger lads in the squad and I’ll try and take every opportunity by the scruff of the neck as best I can.”