Solbakken calls Clarke 'unprofessional' before World Cup

Norway boss calls Clarke 'unprofessional'

Stale Solbakken has branded Steve Clarke 'unprofessional' after Scotland cancelled a behind-closed-doors training friendly ahead of the World Cup (1). The Norway manager's dig lands just as the squad settles into their North Carolina base, adding needless noise before the Haiti opener. Clarke has built a tight, club-like atmosphere in this camp, and you'd expect him to shrug this off.

Opponent star man ruled out

One of Scotland's group-stage opponents has lost their 28-goal talisman to injury on the eve of the tournament, a 'huge blow' to their chances (4). Details are still emerging, but any rival losing a player of that calibre tilts the group maths in your favour.

Robertson's fairytale journey

Andy Robertson stands on the brink of becoming Scotland's most capped men's player, a rise that started in amateur football and now leads the squad into a first World Cup since 1998 (5). With the group stages around the corner, the timing couldn't be sweeter.

Eyeing the knockout path

Scotland's group is being labelled a potential group of death, but the squad believe progression is realistic (6). A knockout tie against France, or even England, waits on the other side, and that prospect is driving the camp's focus.

Emslie's remarkable return

Claire Emslie has gone from giving birth to World Cup qualifiers inside six months, targeting next year's tournament with the Scotland women's side (3). An extraordinary comeback that deserves more attention than it gets.

Reliving 1974 and 1998

Ahead of this World Cup return, features are revisiting Scotland's undefeated 1974 campaign (2) and the life-changing impact of France 98 on one fan who never looked back (7). Nostalgia with a purpose: this squad wants to write its own chapter.