First-half blitz sees Scotland thump Bolivia to kick off World Cup preparations

The Scots took the lead within five minutes, with new Tottenham Hotspur full-back Andrew Robertson delivering a perfect cross for Lawrence Shankland, a player he once lined up alongside at Queen’s Park in the Scottish Third Division.

The Heart of Midlothian striker endured a harsh end to the club season, losing the title to Celtic on the final day, but his clever headed finish here was fitting for a man ready to lead the line for his country in the USA.

Shankland nearly added an assist to his tally with a smart lay-off for Che Adams, but the Torino striker saw his effort flash just wide of the post from the edge of the area.

A few moments later, Scott McTominay latched onto a similar pass, and his bouncing attempt found its way past Guillermo Viscarra to double the lead.

Two became three just after the half-hour mark, with Ben Gannon-Doak picking out Adams for a tap-in with an excellent low cross. Gannon-Doak and Robertson then both went close, and Adams added a fourth before the break to send the Tartan Army into dreamland.

John McGinn was introduced at half-time, and it was nearly five from his teasing corner, with McTominay only denied by a last-ditch block.

Also brought on for the second half, Kieran Tierney produced a lovely cross for Shankland, who really should have added his second from close range.

The pace dropped off as the game wore on, but Clarke’s side had done all the hard work in the first half and will be very satisfied with their efforts in the final warm-up fixture, even if Ross Stewart and George Hirst will feel they should have converted their late opportunities.

This was Scotland’s first match against CONMEBOL opposition since losing to Peru in 2018 – their next such fixture will be the small matter of a World Cup clash against Brazil, although prior games against Haiti and Morocco may well do more to define their tournament.

Bolivia will be watching from home, having extended their 32-year absence with a heartbreaking defeat to Iraq in the intercontinental play-off.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Che Adams (Scotland)