Ian Wright says Scotland let the country down with their World Cup performance.
Ian Wright didn’t hold back in his critique of the Scotland national team during ITV’s coverage of their match against Brazil, saying the whole setup is letting fans down.
Scotland started their World Cup with a 1-0 win over Haiti, promising hope for the nation to get past the group stage for the first time in nine tries. But that one-goal win hasn’t been enough. Losses to Morocco and Brazil have left Scotland’s chances of advancing very slim, depending on other game results.
Before playing Brazil, Scotland had only managed two shots on target in almost 200 minutes, including John McGinn’s deflected goal versus Haiti. Ian Wright found this really upsetting and criticized the whole Scottish team and system, saying it’s unfair to the fans who have been so supportive.
Across North America, the Tartan Army has made a big impression in Boston, bringing their bagpipes to Red Sox games and filling stadiums with white and blue flags. But when a team can only get two shots on target in two matches, Ian Wright believes the problem goes beyond just the players picked by coach Steve Clarke. The fans deserve much more.
“Only two shots on target in two games,” Ian said before the Brazil match on ITV.
“I feel sorry for Scotland and the fans. Someone asked me what Scotland can do next, but I think the issues run much deeper.
“Look at Norway, a country about the same size. Their home league pulls in 6,000 to 7,000 fans each week, while Scotland averages 16,000.
“But Norway’s broadcasting deal is worth £25 million more a year than Scotland’s. They’ve got a better business operation.
“Scotland has great fans, talent, stories, and grassroots support, but someone is letting the country down badly. People all over the world admire Scotland, and they deserve a clearer, bolder plan for football.”
That win against Haiti gave Scotland hope, but pressure is growing on coach Steve Clarke. In three major tournaments under Clarke, Scotland has played nine games, won just one, earned five points, and scored only four goals.
Now, the Scots have to hope for some luck. They’ll need at least four third-place teams in other groups to finish with fewer than three points or worse goal differences than -3 to have a chance to move forward.