Everton
Scotland is set to face Ivory Coast on March 31 at the newly inaugurated Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking the first senior men’s international football fixture at the waterfront venue. This match is particularly significant for Scotland as they prepare for their first World Cup finals since 1998. The game is expected to draw a large crowd, with fans eager to witness their national team in action as they build momentum ahead of the tournament.
James McFadden said: “Hopefully the stadium will be packed, I am sure it will be, and the atmosphere will be something special. They will make as much noise as they can – and the stadium has been built for that. Obviously there’s a huge buzz around the national team just now, and not just because of the World Cup, but also because of how exciting and amazing the game against Denmark was [when Scotland secured World Cup qualification].”
McFadden added: “This game is important because we want to try to build a bit of momentum going into the World Cup and also maybe try some different players. Steve Clarke may have a few surprises. The core of the squad will be guaranteed to go as long as they are fit and available but there’s a group of players that are desperate to impress the manager. It will be a tough game absolutely, and it won’t be the type of friendly I played in when the Everton old boys were running around against Roma in August!”
He continued: “I keep telling people about it, but I don’t think you can describe it because it needs to be experienced. I am really looking forward to the Scottish fans getting a little taste of Everton and I’m sure it won’t be their last visit. It’s accessible, it’s only three hours down the road for most of them.”
McFadden also expressed his excitement about the pre-match anthem: “When you’re playing, you’re in the mindset and you’re focused on the game. But when you listen to, and sing, Flower of Scotland, it doesn’t leave you, and you can’t stop thinking about it. It’s a special experience.”
The match against Ivory Coast is not just a friendly but a crucial preparation for Scotland as they aim to progress beyond the group stage in the World Cup. The team is placed in Group C alongside formidable opponents such as Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. The game will provide an opportunity for manager Steve Clarke to experiment with different players and strategies.
Tickets for the match are available through the Everton website, by phone, or in person at the stadium’s box office. Prices start from £27 for adults and £16 for under-16s, with premium experiences also on offer. This fixture promises to be a memorable occasion for Scottish fans and an exciting preview of what’s to come in the World Cup.
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