Scotland's World Cup dreams are on the brink of collapse after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the final Group C fixture. Vinicius Jr scored a double for Brazil, with Matheus Cunha adding a third to leave the Tartan Army with a -3 goal difference and just three points from three games. Scotland's manager Steve Clarke and captain Andy Robertson were left deflated after the defeat, with Clarke cutting short a post-match interview and Robertson admitting that the team are 'going home'.
Clarke's side face an agonising wait to discover their fate, with the new 48-team format allowing for third-place teams to progress to the knockout stages. However, Scotland's goal difference and points tally leave them on the outskirts of contention, and Clarke's candid admission that the team are 'probably going home' suggests that their World Cup campaign may be over.
Scotland's performance has been marred by a flawed format, with teams progressing after just one win. The team's draw against Morocco and defeat to Brazil have left them in a precarious position, and their inability to produce young players of the same calibre as their opponents has been a major concern. Clarke has identified the need for Scotland to produce better young players to compete on the world stage.
The defeat to Brazil marks a disappointing end to Scotland's World Cup campaign, but the team's fate will not be confirmed until the final standings are revealed. The Scottish FA will be left to ponder the future of manager Steve Clarke, who signed a new contract just last month but may come under pressure to deliver success.