HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Scotland cruise past Curacao in World Cup send‑off, Curtis scores debut

Sky Sports Champions League •
×

Scotland wrapped up their home farewell with a 4-1 victory over 10‑man Curacao at Hampden Park. A heavily‑rotated side conceded an early goal before Findlay Curtis equalised just before halftime, marking his first senior strike. Lawrence Shankland then delivered a second‑half double, cementing the win as the squad prepares for the World Cup.

Steve Clarke rested several regulars – John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, Kieran Tierney and Che Adams – after their club commitments, while Ross Stewart managed a knee issue. The Dutch‑born Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour limped off with a knee injury, raising concerns ahead of the tournament opener in Boston.

Curacao, coached by 78‑year‑old former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat, entered as the world’s 82nd‑ranked side and would become the smallest nation ever to qualify, with roughly 150,000 inhabitants. They led 1-0 through Tahith Chong before the red card to Jurgen Locadia in the 38th minute shifted momentum, allowing Scotland to dominate the second half.

Shankland’s brace gave him his sixth international goal, while Ryan Christie added a late penalty to complete the tally. Curtis, who replaced the injured Gilmour, not only scored but also earned the penalty that produced Christie’s strike. Scotland leave Hampden with confidence, but Gilmour’s fitness remains an open question for the group stage.