Steve Clarke believes Scotland are “going home” after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final Group C game of the 2026 World Cup.The Tartan Army were assured of third place heading into the game with Haiti already knocked out, but suffered a huge blow to their goal difference thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior (2) and Matheus Cunha.
The top eight third-place teams will qualify for the knockout rounds and with many points tallies likely to be similar, goal difference will be crucial.
After the game in Miami, Scotland sit sixth in those standing with a minus-three goal difference – although there is still lots of football to be played.
Who do the teams below Scotland play in their final group games?
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
New Zealand vs Belgium
Czech Republic vs Mexico
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
Ecuador vs Germany
Senegal vs Iraq
Clarke’s initial interview with BBC Sport was cut short after he walked off in anger at the performance. “We made it difficult for ourselves. That’s it,” he said. “We gave them the goals and gave them the game they wanted. Disappointed.”
However, he spoke to the broadcaster again later and admitted: “I think we’re going home.”
The Scotland boss added: “We created some chances, but didn’t take them. Let’s be honest, the best team won.
“The shift that the players put in, the ones that played 90 minutes in that heat, that humidity, were outstanding. But we have to be better. If we want to compete at this level, we have to be better.”In the first five minutes, we’re moving the ball quite nicely on the pitch. I thought we were settling into the game alright, and then we make a mistake like that [for Vinicius Junior’s opener]. You cannot do that at this level, because it puts you on the back foot, and then it becomes a long night.
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Vinicius Jr opened the scoring for Brazil against Scotland after an error
“Only Scotland can get a winnable first game, and then get number five in the world, and number six in the world with the next two games. That’s the level we’re at.”Robertson: I don’t think Scotland did enough – the wait will be horribleAndy Robertson also struck a downbeat tone as Scotland now face an agonising wait for the final group games to be played.He told BBC Sport: “Time will tell. We need to…
2026-06-25 02:05:00
