Scotland's preparations for their highly anticipated return to the World Cup have taken an unconventional turn, with captain Andy Robertson revealing he organised a game of 'Traitors' for the squad. The initiative, implemented during their training camp in the United States, aimed to foster team cohesion and provide a platform for all players to communicate ahead of their opening match against Haiti.
Robertson explained the rationale behind the popular game, noting its previous success in past gatherings. "It was something we had done before and decided to do again because we can spend a lot of time in our rooms or on our own," the 32-year-old stated. He highlighted the challenges of being away from family and children, suggesting the game served as a way to encourage players out of their individual spaces and ensure both quieter individuals and newer squad members felt empowered to speak up. While unsure of its ultimate impact, Robertson confirmed the squad thoroughly enjoyed the activity, which helped pass the time during what could have been a dragging two-week camp.
The Tartan Army's manager, Steve Clarke, received a boost with the confirmation of midfielder Scott McTominay's availability for the Haiti clash. McTominay had been sidelined with a stomach complaint on Thursday but returned to full training on Friday, with Clarke assuring he was in "perfect" condition. However, Clarke was quick to downplay any notion of McTominay being a sole talisman, stressing the collective strength of his squad. "I think I have 26 superstars here," Clarke asserted, emphasising that the team's success over the past seven years has been built on unity and every player contributing.
Scotland, ranked significantly higher than their opponents Haiti (83rd in the world), are set to play their first World Cup game since 1998. Despite the ranking disparity, Clarke urged his team to approach the match with utmost respect for their opposition. He confirmed that Scotland has meticulously scouted Haiti over the last six months, acknowledging their improvements since qualification. "Since they qualified they have improved the squad by bringing players in that have made them better," Clarke observed, warning of Haiti's "very dynamic players, especially the attacking players," which necessitates a cautious approach from his side.
The match against Haiti in Boston marks a significant moment for Scottish football, ending a 26-year absence from the global stage. The focus on team bonding, as exemplified by the 'Traitors' game, underscores the squad's commitment to unity, a factor often cited as crucial for success in major tournaments. With key players fit and a measured approach to their opponents, Scotland will be hoping to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
Source: Andy Robertson (Scotland Captain), Steve Clarke (Scotland Manager)