Can Scotland Qualify For The World Cup?
Failure to beat Portugal jeopardises Steve Clarke's chances of leading team to Qatar.
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown believes that Steve Clarke must guide Scotland to victory against Portugal in their World Cup play-off semi-final or risk missing out on the chance to lead the team to the tournament in Qatar.
Brown, who was in charge of the national team from 1993 to 2004, said that Clarke has done a "good job" since taking over in 2019, but that he needs to deliver a major tournament qualification to cement his legacy.
Scotland reached the European Championship finals last year, but they were eliminated in the group stage after finishing bottom of their pool.
Clarke's Future in Doubt
Brown said that if Scotland fail to beat Portugal, it would be "difficult" for Clarke to continue as manager.
"I think he's done a good job," Brown told the BBC.
"But I think he needs to get to a major tournament to really cement his position. And I think if he doesn't get to the World Cup, it'll be difficult for him to stay on."
Scotland will face Portugal at Hampden Park on March 24. The winners of that match will face the winners of the other semi-final between Italy and North Macedonia in the play-off final.
The World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
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