How sweltering Scotland can handle World Cup heat

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. How sweltering Scotland can handle World Cup heatImage source, PA MediaImage caption, Scotland will face sweltering conditions in their Group C matchesByThomas DuncanBBC Sport ScotlandPublished43 minutes agoHydration breaks, ice jackets, cooling towels and isotonic drinks have been a feature of the World Cup so far as hot weather impacts matches. Some games may have been played in air-conditioned stadiums and at more modest temperatures across North America, but for Scotland it is about to heat up. The opening win over Haiti in Boston was played at around 25C and, although Steve Clarke's side return to the same venue to face Morocco, the kick-off being three hours earlier means warmer conditions are likely.

It is forecast to be around 27C come kick-off on Friday (23:00 BST), and Scotland's final group game in Miami against Brazil next Wednesday is predicted to be even hotter. Temperatures could be over 30C for that one, and with nearly 80% humidity expected it will feel much more than that. Scotland have prepared for this, but it could still have an impact.

The Details

Even if Steve Clarke is comfortable with joggies on at training. How have Scotland prepared? Scotland flew out early to Fort Lauderdaule at the start of June so they could get used to the hot weather as soon as possible.

There was sun cream, tan-lines and ice buckets as the players were put through their paces before their final warm-up win over Bolivia in New York. Their training base is in Charlotte, North Carolina - which is roughly between Boston and Miami - and temperatures there have hit 30C. Before they had even set foot in the US, some of the squad went to the University of the West of Scotland to use their extreme environments chamber, which was able to mimic the Florida conditions.

"It's 10 or 12 days that Scotland have been there so the acclimation and adaptation to the conditions has probably taken place quite nicely," Vish Unnithan, a professor of sports science and exercise physiology at the university, told Scotland. "Maintaining hydration and fluid levels, but also nutritional recovery is going to be key. We know when you're exercising at the intensity these guys are exercising in the heat, the rate at which you use stored carbohydrates is much faster.

What Experts Say

"So the nuitritionists with the Scotland team will be key to making sure the carbohydrate intake is where it should be. "Unnithan also says because players sweat at different rates, there will be individualised programmes to allow them to stay hydrated and recover properly. Different gels and drinks will be offered to different players.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Scotland have trained in Fort Lauderdale and Charlotte for the last fortnightAre Scotland more rested than opponents? Morocco and Brazil have players who are far more used to living and playing in the heat, which gives them an edge. However, after a long club season residual fatigue is a factor at any tournament, but particularly one played in roasting temperatures.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.