Steve Clarke, Scotland head coach, signed a new contract to remain in charge until 2030 and expects a positive send-off at Hampden Park against Curacao. Clarke wants to win while prioritizing no injuries and providing playing time for squad members who need minutes. He plans rotations and changes but intends to use most of the squad. Curacao qualified by finishing ahead of Jamaica in their qualifying group and will play at the World Cup with experienced coach Dick Advocaat, the oldest head coach in tournament history. Jurgen Locadia previously played under Advocaat at PSV and described a strong bond and the chance to support younger players. Curacao’s group includes Germany, the Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
"“It will be nice for the fans to give us a send-off,” Clarke told the Scottish FA. “We want to win. The most important thing is no injuries and minutes for a lot of players who probably need to get to minutes in their legs. “There will probably be a few rotations and changes throughout the game, but I'll try to utilise most of the squad.”"
"The third-lowest ranked team at the finals, Curacao finished ahead of Jamaica to win their qualifying group and will have the oldest head coach in World Cup history in the hugely experienced Dick Advocaat. Miami FC's Jurgen Locadia played for Advocaat at the striker's first club, PSV, before becoming Brighton & Hove Albion's then-record signing and playing for the likes of Hoffenheim and Bochum."
"“It's very special,” said the 32-year-old, who scored three Premier League goals, speaking to VoetbalPrimeur and adding that the prospect of the World Cup finals is “really starting to sink in”. “[Advocaat] gets mad at me often. We have a nice bond and he knows what he gets from me. He can now help and support me and the younger players.”"
"At their first finals, Curacao's tough group features four-time champions Germany, the Ivory Coast and Ecuador."
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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