Scotland's World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami, leaving Steve Clarke's side reliant on other results to reach the last 32.
Defeat leaves Scotland on the brink
The loss at Hard Rock Stadium means Scotland have just one point from their opening win over Haiti and a goal difference of minus three. They now face an agonising wait to see if they can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Clarke's side actually made a decent start but were undone by Brazilian brilliance. Vinicius Jr opened the scoring after a defensive error from Scott McKenna, then added a second with a header. Matheus Cunha sealed the win after an hour.
McKenna's nightmare moment
Clarke had opted for McKenna ahead of Grant Hanley for his pace, but the defender's error proved costly. After seven minutes, McKenna hesitated in his own box, was dispossessed by Rayan, and Vinicius Jr tapped into an empty net.
"It was a nightmare for McKenna and a gift for the Brazilians," wrote Record Sport's Scott McDermott in Miami.
VAR reprieve for Scotland
Scotland were given a lifeline when Vinicius Jr's second goal—a finish through Angus Gunn's legs—was ruled out by VAR. The referee judged that Vinicius had accidentally clipped Jack Hendry's leg in the build-up, a decision that bemused Brazil fans.
The reprieve was short-lived, however, as Vinicius Jr scored his second with a back-post header before Cunha made it three.
McTominay subdued
Scott McTominay, expected to be Scotland's talisman after a stellar season with Napoli, has been subdued throughout the tournament. Against Brazil, he was too loose in possession and failed to influence the game. His one big chance—a downward header—was saved brilliantly by Alisson.
"His World Cup performances have been well short of what he's capable of," McDermott noted. Clarke will need more from him if Scotland are to progress.
Vinicius Jr the difference
Brazil's Vinicius Jr was the star of the show, scoring twice and forcing a fine save from Gunn. Despite being well marshalled by Nathan Patterson in one-on-one situations, the Real Madrid winger popped up in dangerous areas throughout.
"All the talk amongst Brazil supporters was about returning legend Neymar—but Vini Jr is their current superstar," McDermott added.
Stick or twist for Clarke
Scotland actually played better against Brazil than in their previous group games, having more possession and creating chances. Alisson made two cracking saves from Lewis Ferguson and McTominay.
But individual errors in defence and conceding early goals have plagued Clarke's side. With the score at 3-0, the Scots faced a dilemma: push forward to score or shut up shop to protect their goal difference.
Now, they must wait and hope other results go their way. As McDermott put it: "Scotland's World Cup qualification bid is now built on sand."
