Scotland enters the World Cup desperate to become the first team to exit the group stage at a major tournament. Ryan Christie, Bournemouth midfielder, was Scotland's last touch at Euro 2024 before losing the ball preceding a 1-0 defeat to Hungary. "A few of us left that thinking 'what could have been.' This time we've got a bit of a chip on our shoulder," Christie said.
At Euro 2024, Scotland lost 5-1 to Germany in the tournament opener—a "humbling" experience that Christie still has nightmares about. Yet the group (Haiti, Brazil, Morocco) offers an opening. Christie believes meeting weaker teams early beats Brazil first: "You'd rather face them than Brazil first. I know that from facing Germany at the opening of the last Euros."
Christie stresses no team at the World Cup is easy. "Everybody's at the World Cup on merit, so there are no easy games." Yet the Haiti opener gives Scotland a chance to win and build confidence before Brazil. The group closes with Morocco.
Scotland carries Euro 2024 psychological damage into the tournament. The Haiti opener (weak on paper) presents an over opportunity—Scotland will dominate possession and push for early goals. Group stage progression hinges on winning the opening match.
→ Next match preview: Haiti — Scotland