Scotland player ratings v Curacao: The pizzazz man, top performers land 8s but two 4s

By Mark Atkinson

Head of Sport

Published 30th May 2026, 16:08 BST

Marks out of ten for performances against Curacao

Lawrence Shankland staked his claim for a World Cup start with a brace in Scotland’s 4-1 friendly win against 10-man Curacao at Barclays Hampden.

Steve Clarke utilised his squad as promised with several regulars rested but the visitors, managed by 78-year-old former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat, took the lead in the 17th minute through a fine Tahith Chong goal.

Curacao striker Jurgen Locadia was sent off a for a late challenge on Scotland defender Aaron Hickey in the 37th minute, following a VAR intervention.

The departure of injured midfielder Billy Gilmour just before the break caused concern for the Tartan Army but replacement Findlay Curtis soon levelled with a drive, his first goal for the national team in his second appearance.

Shankland, who will join Curtis at Rangers next season after his move from Hearts was recently confirmed, struck twice in five minutes early in the second half before Ryan Christie added a fourth from the spot, giving the Scots their first home friendly win in 10 years.

Scotland’s final warm-up game is against Bolivia in New Jersey next Saturday before they return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, with section rivals Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in wait in the United States.

We give marks out of ten for the performances at Hampden.

First match since January for club or country. Was left flat-footed for Chong's goal. Had a quiet match thereafter before coming off for Kelly towards the end. 5

1. Craig Gordon

First match since January for club or country. Was left flat-footed for Chong's goal. Had a quiet match thereafter before coming off for Kelly towards the end. 5 | SNS Group

Played the first half only, as was the pre-match plan. Was tested out by Curacao's attacking threats of Chong and Locadia - with the latter sent off for aiming a forearm at the full-back's cheek. 5

2. Aaron Hickey

Played the first half only, as was the pre-match plan. Was tested out by Curacao's attacking threats of Chong and Locadia - with the latter sent off for aiming a forearm at the full-back's cheek. 5 | SNS Group

Was beaten in pretty straightforward fashion by Chong for the Curacao opener. Not his most comfortable afternoon. Replaced at the break. 4

3. John Souttar

Was beaten in pretty straightforward fashion by Chong for the Curacao opener. Not his most comfortable afternoon. Replaced at the break. 4 | SNS Group

This was his 50th cap for Scotland - a great achievement for the Dinamo Zagreb centre-half. Didn't look entirely convincing next to Souttar. Replaced at the break. 4

4. Scott McKenna

This was his 50th cap for Scotland - a great achievement for the Dinamo Zagreb centre-half. Didn't look entirely convincing next to Souttar. Replaced at the break. 4 | SNS Group