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Scotland produced a commanding performance in New Jersey, thrashing Bolivia 4-0 in their final outing before returning to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Lawrence Shankland set the tone early by opening the scoring, and Scott McTominay doubled the lead midway through the first half to give the Scots firm control.

Che Adams struck twice before half-time, ensuring Scotland were four goals up by the interval as Steve Clarke’s men showcased their attacking flair.

The second half saw no further goals, but Scotland comfortably managed the game to secure a morale-boosting win over the South American side ahead of their World Cup opener.

Scotland started with intent, taking the lead inside five minutes. Ryan Christie and Andy Robertson linked up beautifully on the left, with Christie’s cross finding Shankland, who rose to head home into the top corner—an ideal start for the Tartan Army in New Jersey.

Clarke’s side continued to dominate and were rewarded after 22 minutes. Shankland held up the ball well and laid it off to McTominay, who drove a low shot from the edge of the box to make it 2-0, taking his Scotland goal tally to 15.

Ben Gannon-Doak was instrumental in the next goal, sending in a low cross that Che Adams converted from close range after half an hour. The young winger almost added another ten minutes later, but Guillermo Viscarra denied him with a fine save. From the resulting corner, Robertson’s flicked header went wide from close range.

Scotland’s relentless pressure paid off again before the break. Gannon-Doak carried the ball brilliantly through Bolivia’s midfield before releasing Adams, whose initial shot was blocked, but he pounced on the rebound to fire in his second of the night, putting Scotland 4-0 up at half-time.

In the second half, Scotland continued to create chances, with Shankland, Adams, and substitute George Hirst all missing opportunities to extend the lead. Nevertheless, the result had already been decided in the first period as Scotland’s first-half blitz sealed an emphatic victory.

For manager Steve Clarke, the performance provided the perfect build-up to next weekend’s World Cup opener against Haiti. The Tartan Army will also take great satisfaction from the display, whether watching in the US or back home in Scotland.

While the result was impressive, the manner of Scotland’s performance was equally encouraging. After some inconsistent showings since their qualification-clinching win over Denmark, including a less convincing outing against Curaçao last weekend, this was a timely reminder of their capabilities.

Concerns had lingered among fans about Scotland’s readiness for their first World Cup in nearly three decades, especially given recent dips in form and mixed results in major tournaments. But this dominant performance against a Bolivia side that famously defeated Brazil last year should ease those worries and lift national morale.

Perhaps most importantly, all players came through the match without injury. With no new fitness concerns, that will be the biggest relief for Clarke as he prepares his squad for their long-awaited World Cup return against Haiti next weekend.