Scotland beat 10-man Curaçao but injury puts Billy Gilmour out of World Cup

In the early stages, Scotland looked to be opting for something different. That is, heading to a major tournament while completely unburdened by expectation. Little Curaçao were embarrassing Steve Clarke and his team. Scottish Football Association big wigs, who handed Clarke a four-year deal in recent days , were shuffling uncomfortably in the plush seats. Excitement was surely raising in Haiti, Scotland’s first World Cup opponents. That Scotland played against 10 men for more than a half must be factored in to analysis of their recovery. Nonetheless, the response was stirring enough to raise optimism among a supporter base who will shortly grace a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The Tartan Army remained in place to afford Scotland a rousing send-off for the US. Victory had ultimately proved as comfortable as should have been the case. However, the optimism was soured by the news later on Saturday night that Billy Gilmour had been ruled out of the finals by a knee injury. This continues a wretched tournament run for Gilmour, who contracted Covid in the midst of Scotland’s Euro 2020 participation after being man of the match in the 0-0 draw against England. He missed the critical final group game as a result. Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, Lewis Ferguson and Ché Adams were notable absentees having only joined up with the squad on Friday. The manager hinted at things to come, especially against Haiti, with the deployment of two strikers. …