Scotland aim to end first-round World Cup hoodoo

June 1 : Scotland and their raucous Tartan Army of fans head to their first World Cup since 1998 determined to reach the knockout phase of a major tournament for the first time after glorious but heartbreaking near-misses in the past.

Scotland have appeared at eight World Cups, qualifying for five in a row between 1974 and 1990 when their rivals across the border, England, had a patchier run.

But the Scots have never made it beyond the group phase at a World Cup or a European championship.

Three of their first-round World Cup exits have been on goal difference, including in 1978 when Scotland beat eventual finalists the Netherlands 3-2 - a goal by Archie Gemmill remains one of the best at a World Cup - but fell short of qualification. 

In 1982, Scotland needed a win in their last group game against the Soviet Union and took an early lead but were held to a 2-2 draw that knocked them out on goal difference again.

Ending the decades of frustration will be the focus of coach Steve Clarke who is hoping to banish the memories of a limp performance at Euro 2024.

NAPOLI MIDFIELDER MCTOMINAY

His squad includes Napoli playmaker Scott McTominay - scorer of a brilliant scissor-kick goal against Denmark in a decisive qualifier - Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn and, pending his recovery from injury, Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper Craig Gordon who would be the second-oldest player at a World Cup.

"It's the first time in 28 years that we've reached the World Cup, so we don't want that alone to be enough," Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean - who scored a goal from the half-way line in the Denmark qualifier - told CBS Sports.

"We feel we've got a real chance of getting out of the group. That's the goal, and that's the ambition for everybody."

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