Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, and the captain, Andy Robertson, fear the country’s World Cup journey is over after a chastening defeat by Brazil in Miami. A 3-0 loss for the Scots means they are clinging to the hope of a spot in the last 32 as one of eight best third-placed teams. Scotland have three points and a goal difference of minus three.
For Clarke, this will not be enough to become the first team from Scotland to progress to the knockout phase of a major tournament. “I think we’re going home,” said Clarke.
“You see their quality in the final third of the pitch, we didn’t have that. We created chances but it wasn’t enough. Let’s be honest, the best team won.
“The first thing they have got to do is go away and compute their performance and why we lost the game in the manner we did, We can worry about the rest later. We gave them the goals. When you look at Brazil attacking play and ours, really no comparison. We definitely didn’t play as we can play.”
Clarke objected to being asked whether he should dictate whether Scotland’s supporters, who have lit up this World Cup, should remain in the United States until any last 32 picture becomes clear. “I don’t think that is in my remit as head coach,” said Clarke.
“The fans have been absolutely brilliant. But don’t forget this group of players brought them to America. The fans appreciate what this group has done for them.”
Asked what his team must improve on, Clarke added: “Be better in possession, take responsibility. I am disappointed for them because they didn’t reach the levels they can reach.”
Clarke’s sentiment was echoed by Robertson. Scotland will fly back to their training base in Charlotte on Thursday with their tournament fate out of their hands. “As a collective we didn’t want to put ourselves in a position of having to watch every game and hope for favours,” said Robertson. “If you ask me now, I don’t think it’s enough, I don’t think we’ve done enough.
“Time will tell, maybe I’ll be proved wrong and we’ll get another shot, I hope that’s the case. The next couple of days will be horrible and long but we have to deal with it.”
Robertson’s teammate John McGinn said it was “unlikely” that Scotland will remain in this tournament.
While the Scots suffered, Carlo Ancelotti purred about Brazil topping Group C. The sight of Ancelotti, an Italian, singing the Brazil national anthem had turned heads in the country seeking to win a sixth World Cup. “I know two national anthems,” said Ancelotti. “I learned the Italian one and now I am learning the Brazilian one, which is difficult. I enjoy singing anthems. I enjoy singing in general. I am honoured to be with this national team.
“The squad played a solid game. When we compare to the first match, fewer mistakes and more effectiveness in the front line. We feel very good about this squad. The goal was to come first in this group. Now we must keep our feet on the ground. We are now playing as a team.”
Ancelotti deployed Neymar for the closing 14 minutes, in what marked a first Brazil appearance since late 2023 for the 34-year-old. “He deserved the opportunity which is why I gave that to him,” Ancelotti said. “Because of his quality, I think he can play and help the team.”
