Scotland earn first home friendly win in over a decade
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
That first half was a hard watch, with Curacao scoring first and Scotland rather rusty.
Against 10 men, it was largely a stroll with Lawrence Shankland scoring two of the four goals at Hampden.
There's a potential dark cloud, as we wait for news on a injury for Billy Gilmour. Let's hope he's fit enough to get on that plane tomorrow.
Let the World Cup fever begin...
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Another note of interest from the media conference was Curacao manager Dick Advocaat warning Scotland against any complacency against Haiti.
His side beat Haiti 5-1 in qualifying but the former Rangers boss stresses that the score was not a true reflection of the game.
"We scored five goals from five chances," he said. "Haiti missed a lot of chances. It will be a tough game for Scotland."
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Billy Gilmour got up and walked off the pitch following his first-half injury.
At his media conference, Steve Clarke said he is "100% worried" about the Napoli midfielder.
The 24-year-old will have a scan on his knee later, with Clarke adding that he is "hoping and praying he'll be on the plane tomorrow".
Image source, SNSFT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Surely Steve Clarke will go with two strikers for that opening game against Haiti?
Then it might be more prudent to have an extra body in defence or midfield for Morocco and Brazil.
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Neil McCann
Kilmarnock manager on BBC One Scotland
If we're going to play with two up top, I think Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland are your best partnership.
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Lawrence Shankland now has six goals in 19 Scotland games.
Have a look at the two he scored today.
Scotland's Lawrence Shankland scores double against Curacao
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Was impressed by Tyler Fletcher today. Combined well and didn’t give the ball away.
Craig
Think we have hit on something there. Lawrence Shankland playing off Lyndon Dykes, and Findlay Curtis wide. What an improvement after George Hirst, poor first touch, not aware of team mates. Hope he doesn’t get any more game time.
Alan
Some years back if you'd told me I would be calling for Lyndon Dykes to start I wouldn't have believed you. But looks like Dykes and Shankland might prove a good double act up front.
Anthony
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
The Scotland party fly out to Florida tomorrow and will train in the Fort Lauderdale heat before another friendly outing against Bolivia in Harrison, New Jersey, next Saturday.
It gets serious when Scotland take on Haiti in Boston on 13 June. Win that and the chances of reaching the round of 32 are decent.
Morocco and Brazil will be much sterner tests.
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Scotland manager Steve Clarke tells BBC Scotland: "I've got to be honest, I wasn't happy with the start.
"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.
"I think I would have rather had it as an 11v11 challenge, but a win is a win.
"We had to get a lot of players on the pitch just to give them a chance to play again, quite a lot of them haven't had many minutes through the second half of the season, and I think that showed towards the start of the game.
"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.
"I said already, it will be a squad tournament, not just a starters tournament, so next week is about getting used to the climate and the heat, and then for 60/65 minutes there will be a strong side out against Bolivia.
"The players were angry with themselves for missing out on Qatar 2022 and in Germany [for the group displays at the Euros], so hopefully they can use that as fuel to make sure we give ourselves a really good chance of getting out of the group."
Image source, SNSFT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says Billy Gilmour will be examined after going off with a knee problem late in the first half.
Fingers crossed the wee man is okay.
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Let's have a look at that special moment for 19-year-old Findlay Curtis.
Two caps and one goal is a very decent ratio.
Findlay Curtis levels for Scotland against Curacao with first international goal
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Scotland goalscorer Findlay Curtis tells BBC Scotland: "I'm buzzing, it's everything I've dreamed of, I'm delighted to get that spot in the World Cup.
"It's a dream come true to score my first international goal.
"My mum and dad are in Tenerife, I booked for us all to go, and then I couldn't go, so they'll be over there watching with pride. Of course, I'm happier to be here - sorry, Mum!
"It was a massive decision to go down to Kilmarnock, and it's paid off really well, the experience of playing against older people was important.
"I just love playing football. I can't believe everything that's going on at the minute, I just need to soak it all in."
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Curacao manager Dick Advocaat tells BBC Scotland: "We know if we play away against Scotland, it will be difficult to get a result. But we played the first half really well.
"When we started playing with 10, it was quite difficult and you could see the difference in quality. But we have seen some good things, some bad things.
"The most important thing is that we learn from this. I didn't see the red card well, but the referee was not used to this kind of game, in my opinion.
"Even at 11 v 11, we could lose 4-1 against a team like Scotland. We are outsiders, we have a difficult group - like Scotland.
"I was luckier here with Rangers - not today! Being in Scotland is always a good feeling."
Image source, SNSDick Advocaat and Steve Clarke share a word at full-time
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes tells BBC Scotland: "A good performance, we wanted to end on a high. We started a bit ropey, but in the end it was a great result and a great performance.
"You've got to give credit to Curacao and their attacking players were decent on the ball, it was a game for us to get minutes in the legs.
"We ended it professionally and it was good to see a few boys get on the scoresheet and have good performances.
"The squad is always very together, when we come back, it's like we never left each other. When we've won games when people didn't expect us to, it's because we're so united.
"We all want to get out of the group and be history makers. It won't be easy, but we've got a great squad."
Image source, SNSScotland's Lawrence Shankland celebrates with Lyndon Dykes after scoring to make it 3-1
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Neil McCann
Kilmarnock manager on BBC One Scotland
It was a really good exercise until they went down to 10 men, and then it changed.
There were some sparkling performances.
Lawrence Shankland, I would argue, has put himself forward above the other forwards if we go with one striker.
Chances will be at a premium and he is so deadly.
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
A wee reminder that Curacao beat Haiti 5-1 in qualifying.
Scotland get their World Cup started against Haiti in Boston on 13 June.
Some years back if you'd told me I would be calling for Lyndon Dykes to start I wouldn't have believed you. But looks like Dykes and Shankland might prove a good double act up front.
Anthony
This game was selected to get a good feel high scoring win. Took a half and red card to get going, but get going it did. Would have liked more given the situation, but will take it.
Stuart
In a friendly, where we are looking to test ourselves against a type of opposition and that opponent gets someone sent off, changing the test, what are the rules about saying ‘just bring on someone else’?
Dave
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Scotland goalscorer Lawrence Shankland tells BBC One: "We wanted to go to America on the back of a win and it was important we got that. The start of the game was quite difficult, they took the lead.
"We got fortunate with the red card but after that, we looked like the only team that was going to score.
"It's been a couple of weeks since I've played, so it was about getting back on the pitch. As a striker, you want to get on the scoresheet as well so I'm grateful I've done that.
"Every goal you score for your country, you're delighted. It's a special day, I had my kid as the mascot as well.
"It feels special. It's where you want to be. I've known all season this was coming up, so I did everything to get in the squad."
Scotland's Lawrence Shankland scores double against Curacao
FT: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC One
You can only play what's in front of you, and you will never knock back a 4-1 win, it doesn't matter who it's against.
It was good preparation and plenty for them to think about.
Highlights: Scotland 4-1 Curacao
Two goals from Lawrence Shankland ensured Scotland's big Hampden send-off before heading to the World Cup ended in victory over 10-man Curacao.
In the week his summer move from Hearts to Rangers was confirmed, Shankland's double secured the Scots a first home friendly win in a decade.
Tahith Chong had given the visitors a shock lead with a terrific goal before Curacao were reduced to 10 men after striker Jurgen Locadia caught Aaron Hickey with a stray forearm.
Finlay Curtis, introduced moments earlier for the injured Billy Gilmour, grabbed an equaliser just before half-time with his first international goal.
Tyler Fletcher - son of former Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren - came on for his debut after the break, and Shankland struck twice to advance his case for a starting berth at the World Cup.
Ryan Christie scored from the penalty spot late on to wrap up the win after Curtis was brought down in the penalty area.
The Scotland squad fly to the United States on Sunday before their final friendly match against Bolivia in New Jersey on Sunday, 7 June.
They face Haiti in their World Cup opener in Boston a week later.
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How to watch the World Cup on the BBC
Steve Clarke said this friendly against Curacao - ranked 82 in the world - would be a good gauge of what to expect against Haiti, ranked one place lower.
Dick Advocaat's side gave the Scots plenty to think about, not least when Chong stunned Hampden with a fabulous opener.
A long hoof upfield seemed harmless enough, but Chong took a lovely touch on halfway and then turned on the afterburners. He got away from John Souttar, cut back inside and fired past Craig Gordon.
With several frontliners rested - including Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams and Kieran Tierney - this was an opportunity for players to stake their claim for inclusion against Haiti.
Few offered compelling evidence in a first half in which Curacao were far more competitive than was comfortable for the Hampden crowd, but Curtis did his chances the world of good when he entered the fray.
Shankland scores double for Scotland
With Gilmour was replaced with what looked like a knee problem - a worrying sight - Curtis took up the mantle superbly, exchanging passes with Kenny McLean before sliding a left-foot finish past the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
Shankland then underlined his status as the best natural finisher in the squad with two excellent goals.
His first came from a clever corner routine and the striker stole in front of his marker and turned home a smart finish past Curacao keeper Eloy Room.
Then Shankland received a marvellous through ball from Lyndon Dykes and buried a ruthless finish in off the post.
Curtis was lively on the left flank and he was brought down in the box, allowing Christie to slam home Scotland's fourth from the spot.
Clarke said the object of the friendly was to get minutes into players on their way back from injury, and the likes of Ben Gannon-Doak and Aaron Hickey got some much needed action.
The sight of Gilmour limping off will be a concern, but four goals and an ultimately comfortable win probably represents job done for Scotland as they head off for the United States and a first men's World Cup in 28 years.
Sheffield Utd's Chong stuns Scotland with opener
Scotland manager Steve Clarke: "I wasn't happy with the start. 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.
"We had to get a lot of players on the pitch just to give them a chance to play again. Quite a lot of them haven't had many minutes through the second half of the season, and I think that showed towards the start of the game.
"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.
"I said already, it will be a squad tournament, not just a starters tournament, so next week is about getting used to the climate and the heat, and then for 60/65 minutes there will be a strong side out against Bolivia."
Clarke '100% worried' about Gilmour
Scotland goalscorer Findlay Curtis: "I'm buzzing, it's everything I've dreamed of, I'm delighted to get that spot in the World Cup.
"My mum and dad are in Tenerife, I booked for us all to go, and then I couldn't go, so they'll be over there watching with pride. I can't believe everything that's going on at the minute, I just need to soak it all in."
Scotland goalscorer Lawrence Shankland: "We wanted to go to America on the back of a win and it was important we got that.
"The start of the game was quite difficult and we got fortunate with the red card but after that, we looked like the only team that was going to score.
"Every goal you score for your country, you're delighted. It's a special day, I had my kid as the mascot as well."
Shankland has now scored in consecutive matches for Scotland for the first time. His two goals in the space of four minutes and 46 seconds was just two fewer than he'd managed in his previous 18 appearances combined (4 goals).
Scotland have now conceded in seven consecutive home matches, their longest run without a clean sheet at home since a run of 10 games between October 2001 and September 2003.
Aged 19 years and 241 days old, Curtis is the youngest player to score for Scotland since Danny Wilson in November 2010 v Faroe Islands (18y 324d).
Fletcher made his Scotland debut aged 19 years and 72 days old - eight years and 234 days after his father, Darren Fletcher, made his final appearance.
Scott McKenna made his 50th appearance for Scotland, becoming the 43rd different player to reach that milestone.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
Manager:Steve Clarke
Formation:4 - 4 - 2
Manager:Dick Advocaat
Formation:5 - 4 - 1
Friendlies
All competitions
This will be the first ever meeting between Scotland and Curaçao, with Curaçao becoming the sixth different North/Central American nation that Scotland have faced.
Scotland have failed to win any of their last six meetings with North/Central American nations (D3 L3) since a 4-1 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago in 2004.
Curaçao have never beaten a European nation, losing five of their previous six matches against those sides, with the only time they’ve avoided defeat being a 0-0 draw with Netherlands in June 1960. Scotland will become the fourth different European nation they’ve taken on after the Netherlands (3 times), Denmark (2 times) and most recently Kazakhstan
Scotland have lost three of their last four matches across all competitions (W1), as many defeats as they suffered across their previous 12 matches, whilst they’ve lost both of their last two, and could lose three on the spin for the first time since 2024 – a run of four.
Curaçao have lost both of their last two matches, losing 1-5 to Australia and 0-2 to China, this after the South American nation had avoided defeat in each of their previous six matches (W3 D3), with all six of those coming in CONCACAF qualifying for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Gervane Kastaneer was Curaçao’s top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying, netting five times, two more than any other teammate, whilst he provided the assist for Curaçao’s only goal in their most recent match, a 1-5 defeat against Australia.
Scotland’s last 10 goals across all competitions have been scored by nine different players, with Scott McTominay the only player to score more than once during this run. The Tartan Army however, have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last two matches – losing 0-1 to both Côte d'Ivoire and Japan.
Lawrence Shankland, who recently completed a switch from Hearts to Rangers, has netted 48 goals in the Scottish Premiership since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, 11 more than any other player. After scoring in his last appearance for Scotland (v Denmark in November 2025), the 30-year-old will be looking to net in back-to-back appearances for his nation for the very first time.
