SCOTLANDâs World Cup campaign has turned into a horror show after the Tartan Armyâs dismal 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final group game.
Steve Clarkeâs Scots look set to continue the unwanted tradition of never reaching the knockout phase of a World Cup â despite the extended 48-team format.
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History repeated itself in Group C as the Scots found themselves partnered with Morocco and Brazil again â the same as the 1998 World Cup when they last qualified for the tournament.
Scotland exited early then, but there was some hope as the 2026 edition brought Haiti instead of Norway â something to be thankful for with Erling Haalandâs recent form.
But despite high hopes, Scotlandâs performances on the pitch have not matched the passion shown by their fans off it.
Their talisman has failed to shine and boss Clarke has been SLAMMED for his reaction after the defeat to Brazil.
Things started brightly, with John McGinn the hero against minnows Haiti in Scotlandâs opening game.
He was successful in burying a scrappy goal in Haitiâs net to secure just the nationâs FIFTH win in the competition ever.
But perhaps a scrappy 1-0 win over a team ranked 48 places below you in the rankings was a warning sign of things to come.
Scotland â led by Andy Robertson â have now gone 242 minutes of football without scoring since McGinnâs goal and the shooting stats donât make for good reading.
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In those four hours, they have conceded four goals, with Ismael Saibariâs early goal for Morocco and a Brazil triple.
Against Haiti, Scotland managed to find the target three times and even if it did not prove profitable, it counted for something.
But against Morocco, the Scots failed to register a SINGLE shot on target.
Against Brazil they mustered five.
While the jubilant Scotland fans went viral in Boston and then Miami, one Scot went missing.
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Talisman Scott McTominay was backed to be the superstar jetting in from Napoli, where heâs been following in Diego Maradonaâs footsteps as the latest messiah of Naples.
But the former Manchester United man has failed to pick up a single goal or assist despite having played every minute of the three group games.
And to add to the disappointment, he only made one key pass while missing out on TWO big chances with 25 possessions lost.
Steve Clarke had remained patient with his men but tensions boiled over after the loss to five-time world champions Brazil.
Speaking after the game, the tetchy Scotland boss was tight-lipped about what his men would do while they waited to discover if they were among the best third-place finishers.
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When a reporter quizzed the 62-year-old about the teamâs plans, Clarke said: âI donât even think about that. Sorry, I donât even think about that.â
Clarke then walked away from the interview.
And the tone continued after the media pressed him on his hopes.
Clarke admitted: âYeah, for sure. I think weâre going home.â
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But for some Clarkeâs reaction was sub par.
Speaking to TalkSport, Shebahn Aherne said: âItâs not good enough.
âWho do you think you are? Do you think youâre Pep (Guardiola)? Because youâre not.
âYouâre out gaffer and you come out and you canât even suit up for a moment.
âDonât speak to people like that. Donât behave like that⊠Grow up.â
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Scotland now face an anxious wait to discover if they are among the eight best third-place teams.
But the chances of that look slim, with many results needing to fall perfectly in their favour if they are to remain in the competition.
Between the Euros and World Cup under Clarke, Scotland have won one game, with two draws, but a whopping six losses.
And with four goals scored and 16 conceded itâs not looking good for Clarke despite his contract running to the end of the 2030 World Cup.
One goal ended a 36-year wait for a World Cup win, but Scots everywhere will be hoping that it is not another 36 years until the next one.
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Steve Clarkeâs Scots look set to continue the unwanted tradition of never reaching the knockout phase of a World Cup â despite the extended 48-team format.
Advertisement
History repeated itself in Group C as the Scots found themselves partnered with Morocco and Brazil again â the same as the 1998 World Cup when they last qualified for the tournament.
Scotland exited early then, but there was some hope as the 2026 edition brought Haiti instead of Norway â something to be thankful for with Erling Haalandâs recent form.
But despite high hopes, Scotlandâs performances on the pitch have not matched the passion shown by their fans off it.
Their talisman has failed to shine and boss Clarke has been SLAMMED for his reaction after the defeat to Brazil.
Things started brightly, with John McGinn the hero against minnows Haiti in Scotlandâs opening game.
He was successful in burying a scrappy goal in Haitiâs net to secure just the nationâs FIFTH win in the competition ever.
But perhaps a scrappy 1-0 win over a team ranked 48 places below you in the rankings was a warning sign of things to come.
Scotland â led by Andy Robertson â have now gone 242 minutes of football without scoring since McGinnâs goal and the shooting stats donât make for good reading.
Advertisement
WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS
In those four hours, they have conceded four goals, with Ismael Saibariâs early goal for Morocco and a Brazil triple.
Against Haiti, Scotland managed to find the target three times and even if it did not prove profitable, it counted for something.
But against Morocco, the Scots failed to register a SINGLE shot on target.
Against Brazil they mustered five.
While the jubilant Scotland fans went viral in Boston and then Miami, one Scot went missing.
Advertisement
Talisman Scott McTominay was backed to be the superstar jetting in from Napoli, where heâs been following in Diego Maradonaâs footsteps as the latest messiah of Naples.
But the former Manchester United man has failed to pick up a single goal or assist despite having played every minute of the three group games.
And to add to the disappointment, he only made one key pass while missing out on TWO big chances with 25 possessions lost.
Steve Clarke had remained patient with his men but tensions boiled over after the loss to five-time world champions Brazil.
Speaking after the game, the tetchy Scotland boss was tight-lipped about what his men would do while they waited to discover if they were among the best third-place finishers.
Advertisement
When a reporter quizzed the 62-year-old about the teamâs plans, Clarke said: âI donât even think about that. Sorry, I donât even think about that.â
Clarke then walked away from the interview.
And the tone continued after the media pressed him on his hopes.
Clarke admitted: âYeah, for sure. I think weâre going home.â
Advertisement
But for some Clarkeâs reaction was sub par.
Speaking to TalkSport, Shebahn Aherne said: âItâs not good enough.
âWho do you think you are? Do you think youâre Pep (Guardiola)? Because youâre not.
âYouâre out gaffer and you come out and you canât even suit up for a moment.
âDonât speak to people like that. Donât behave like that⊠Grow up.â
Advertisement
Scotland now face an anxious wait to discover if they are among the eight best third-place teams.
But the chances of that look slim, with many results needing to fall perfectly in their favour if they are to remain in the competition.
Between the Euros and World Cup under Clarke, Scotland have won one game, with two draws, but a whopping six losses.
And with four goals scored and 16 conceded itâs not looking good for Clarke despite his contract running to the end of the 2030 World Cup.
One goal ended a 36-year wait for a World Cup win, but Scots everywhere will be hoping that it is not another 36 years until the next one.
Advertisement
CLICK ON PIC FOR STARâS PROFILE
