Steve Clarke's golden ticket

The SFA just pulled off the wildest piece of pre-tournament housekeeping I’ve ever seen. While the rest of the world is stressing over squad fitness and tactical shape, Scotland’s brass decided to hand Steve Clarke a new contract keeping him on the touchline until 2030. Yes, you read that right. We are 12 days out from kickoff, and the man tasked with guiding Scotland's first World Cup appearance in 28 years is effectively bulletproof.

It’s a bold move, or maybe it’s just the SFA being terrified of the alternative. By tying him down now, they have essentially divorced him from any semblance of accountability if things go sideways in America. If Scotland crashes out after three games, Clarke isn't going anywhere. He’s taking his beach umbrella and his four-year extension and heading to the pub, while the rest of the Tartan Army is left sobbing into their lukewarm pints.

The chip on the shoulder

Ryan Christie is out here talking about how the squad has a chip on their shoulder after those dismal Euro campaigns. Look, I love the honesty. When you fail to fire a shot in two consecutive tournaments, you better have a chip on your shoulder that’s roughly the size of a Bavarian pretzel. The question is whether that frustration translates to goals or just more of that sideways passing we’ve endured for seasons.

Scotland needs to prove they aren't just happy to be invited to the party. Steve Clarke has been talking about an evolution and becoming tournament regulars, but that evolution looks an awful lot like the same rigid setup that struggled in Europe. We’ve seen him talk up the future, but the timing of this deal just feels like a safety net for a guy who might need a parachute rather than a long-term contract.

A trip down memory lane

Elsewhere, we’ve got Dick Advocaat popping up to face Scotland with Curaçao. It’s almost sweet, isn't it? The man reminiscing about his Rangers treble days at Hampden Park while the current crop tries to figure out how to actually score against someone other than a mid-tier qualifier. It’s a nice vibe, but let's be real: this friendly is a glorified training session.

If you're looking for drama, turn your eyes toward the actual group stage matchups. We’ve got New Zealand and Iran stuck in a limbo that feels bigger than just the game itself. When the biggest event of the group stage is overshadowed by geopolitical friction, you know the tournament is going to be a absolute mess. And if you think that’s chaotic, wait until you manage to find a retro England shirt for under £10 while the nation ignores the fact that Anthony Barry is basically doing all the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

The reality check

Let’s call a spade a spade: the World Cup might have snuck up on everyone, but the excuses are already baked in. You’ve got Spain’s squad selection controversy involving Robin Le Normand and the tragic context of his absence. You’ve got Mexico trying to hide in the mountains like they’re re-enacting a Rocky training montage to recapture the 1986 magic. Everyone is scrambling for a narrative.

My take? The SFA gamble on Clarke is going to haunt them. You don't hand out four-year deals right before a pressure cooker unless you’re scared of the noise. If Scotland flops, the fans aren't going to care about the contract status—they’re going to care about the lack of output. When you go 28 years without a World Cup, you don't get 'long-term vision.' You get a result or you get the door.