Scotland full-back Nathan Patterson has admitted that conceding 'easy' goals to Brazil could have killed off his team's World Cup dream, following a 3-0 defeat in Miami that leaves Steve Clarke's side clinging to hope of advancing to the last-32.
Defensive errors prove costly again
Individual defensive mistakes once again plagued Scotland, with a Scott McKenna error after just seven minutes allowing Vinicius Jr to open the scoring. The Real Madrid winger added a second before Matheus Cunha sealed the victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Patterson, who coped well with Vinicius Jr for most of the match, acknowledged that Scotland cannot afford to gift quality opposition such advantages.
"I thought we started quite well in the game, we were comfortable on the ball," Patterson said. "But then obviously the mistake gives them the goal and put us on the back foot again. I thought we dug deep and showed what we're capable of at times. But some errors cost us against a top team, who are going to punish you."
Similar pattern to Morocco defeat
The loss mirrors Scotland's earlier group match against Morocco, where a Grant Hanley error led to the winning goal. Patterson stressed that such lapses are particularly damaging against elite opponents. "We knew they were a tough side to play against with massive threats. We tried to nullify those threats. But giving them easy goals is not what you need. Hopefully we can still get through."
The defeat leaves Scotland's fate uncertain, with results elsewhere determining whether they can become the first Scottish side to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup. "We're not sure now. It was massive to get that win in the first game (v Haiti). We knew it was going to be a tough ask against two opponents who are among the best in the world. But hopefully we can get a bit of luck and get through," Patterson added.
Patterson's personal performance
Despite limited game time before the tournament, Patterson started both matches against Morocco and Brazil and felt he held his own, particularly against Vinicius Jr. "Personally, I knew it was going to be hard for myself up against some of the best players in the world on Wednesday night. I said to myself, just to try and make sure I won my one-v-one battles and I feel as though I did that."
The Everton defender insisted the squad cannot be faulted for effort, despite the disappointing results. "Everyone gave their all out there, that's all you can ask for. I feel as if we've left it all out there. The message in the changing room was always to leave everything on the pitch and don't come off with regrets. I think you can say we did that. We made mistakes but that's football. We just need to hope now that things go our way now."
Facing criticism amid expanded World Cup
Clarke and his players are likely to face criticism if they exit at the group stage, especially under the new expanded World Cup format. However, Patterson highlighted positives from the Brazil performance. "I think we showed glimpses against Brazil of how we CAN compete with teams at the highest level. Obviously we need to cut out the mistakes because teams like that will punish you. But there are signs in that performance that show you we can play at the top level."
