Scotland are no strangers to final group game pain at major international tournaments. Steve Clarke and his men will be hoping to end that streak by beating Brazil in Miami on Wednesday. A win guarantees a place in the last-32 of the expanded FIFA tournament, but even a point or narrow defeat could see them through as one of the best third-placed teams. However, that scenario would mean a torturous wait until the final round of group games on June 28—four days after Scotland's clash.
2024 European Championships: Scotland 0-1 Hungary
Steve Clarke's side crashed out in heartbreaking fashion as Kevin Csoboth's 100th-minute winner earned Hungary a stunning late victory. Scotland held faint hopes of the last 16 with a draw but were stung on the counter-attack. The defeat meant Scotland finished on one point without a shot on target.
2020 European Championships: Scotland 1-3 Croatia
After an excellent draw at Wembley, Scotland knew a win at Hampden in front of 9,896 fans would send them through. Callum McGregor's goal wasn't enough against a Luka Modric-inspired Croatia, and Scotland exited again.
1998 World Cup: Scotland 0-3 Morocco
Needing a win against Morocco in St Etienne, Scotland were hammered in a nightmare display. Even a win wouldn't have saved them, as Norway's last-gasp winner over Brazil meant Scotland were eliminated regardless.
1996 European Championships: Scotland 1-0 Switzerland
Ally McCoist's screamer at Villa Park looked set to make history. But Patrick Kluivert's late consolation for the Netherlands in a 4-1 defeat to England meant Scotland went out on goals scored—agonisingly close.
1990 World Cup: Scotland 0-1 Brazil
Despite an earlier win against Sweden, Scotland exited as one of the two lowest-ranked third-placed teams. A late goal from Muller in a soaking Turin sealed their fate.
1986 World Cup: Scotland 0-0 Uruguay
After two defeats to Denmark and West Germany, a win would have taken Scotland through. Despite Uruguay's Jose Batista being sent off after one minute, Alex Ferguson's side couldn't break down the ten men.
1982 World Cup: Scotland 2-2 Soviet Union
Joe Jordan put Jock Stein's side ahead, but self-inflicted mistakes cost them in Malaga. Scotland went out on goal difference despite Graeme Souness' late equaliser.
1978 World Cup: Scotland 3-2 Netherlands
After a disastrous defeat to Peru and a draw with Iran, Scotland produced a brilliant display in Mendoza thanks to Archie Gemmill's famous goal. But they exited on goal difference.
1974 World Cup: Scotland 1-1 Yugoslavia
Joe Jordan's late equaliser gave Scotland hope in Frankfurt, but they became the first team to go out unbeaten, despite drawing with world champions Brazil and beating Zaire.
1958 World Cup: Scotland 1-2 France
After a draw with Austria and defeat to Paraguay, Scotland needed to beat France in Orebro. Just Fontaine scored one of his 13 tournament goals, and Sammy Baird's consolation wasn't enough.
1954 World Cup: Scotland 0-7 Uruguay
In a different format, Scotland played only two group games in their first World Cup. They were hammered by the world champions in Basel, woefully under-prepared.
