Scotland on the brink of World Cup elimination

They had set their sights so high, they had hoped for a shock result, but in the end the Scottish national football team were no match for the five-time world champions. Brazil put the Tartan Army firmly in their place, winning 3–0 (2–0) in Miami thanks to goals from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. (7’ & 45’+3) and Matheus Cunha (60’).
The Bravehearts fought bravely in the Miami heat, but the early goal was already the beginning of the end.
The 1–0 lead played into Brazil’s hands; although Scotland fought hard, they could find little answer to the South Americans’ samba football.
With three points from three matches, Scotland finish the group stage in third place in Group C, but it is unlikely that this will be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages.
“I think we’re going home,” said manager Steve Clarke. “Definitely.” He described the performance against the record world champions as “disappointing”: “We made it difficult for ourselves. We gifted them the goals; we gave them the game they wanted.”
It is not yet definitively over, but the likelihood of the “Bravehearts” reaching the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams is indeed very slim. Midfielder John McGinn also believes progression is “unlikely”.

Like millions of other fans, Rod Stewart watched the match last night and is likely to be disappointed by the result. However, this is unlikely to dampen his pride in his country and team; shortly before kick-off in Miami, Stewart posted a photo of himself with his parents, accompanied by the caption: “Dad will be looking down on our Tartan Army tonight”.