Scotland defender Kieran Tierney admitted the national side let themselves down after gifting Brazil goals in a 3-0 defeat in sweltering Miami. The result leaves Scotland clinging to slim hopes of qualifying for the last 32 at the World Cup.
Costly Errors Prove Decisive
After losing a goal after just 70 seconds in their previous Group C clash against Morocco, Scotland fared little better against Brazil. Scott McKenna's slack pass inside his own box was blocked by Rayan, and the ball fell kindly for Vinicius Jr to take it past Angus Gunn and slot into an empty net after seven minutes.
Jack Hendry was then dispossessed by Vinicius Jr moments later, but a VAR check ruled out the goal for a foul on the defender. Scotland hoped to reach halftime with just a one-goal deficit, but captain Andy Robertson gifted possession to Brazil on the edge of the box. Bruno Guimares crossed to the back post for Vinicius Jr to head home his and Brazil's second goal in first-half stoppage time (45+3).
Second Half Push Falls Short
Knowing goal difference would be crucial in hopes of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, Scotland pushed to get back into the game. Scott McTominay twice went close with efforts in the box, but Matheus Cunha's effort on the hour mark sealed the win for Brazil, topping the group and leaving Scotland to wait on other results.
Scotland's goal difference of minus three leaves them likely to be eliminated. Celtic defender Tierney, who replaced Robertson at halftime, said: "I think we let ourselves down a bit. We never played the way we can play. There were a couple of goals that we give away that we don't normally give away, it wasn't like us."
An Anxious Wait
Tierney added: "It is disappointing, it is a tough night, and going forward we just need to hope that other teams can do us favours." He noted the quality of the opposition: "Nobody needs to say how good the opposition are. It was a tough group and if you look at the players we were up against, they only need half a chance and they are going to take it."
Scotland may have to wait until Saturday to learn their fate. Tierney said: "I don't know if I have experienced anything like it before, over a period of a few days, so we will just be watching the games and looking out for the result we need."
Clarke Accepts Likely Exit
Manager Steve Clarke, who was handed a new four-year deal by the SFA before the tournament, echoed his player's sentiments. He said: "We made it difficult for ourselves, that's it. We gave them the goals, we gave them the game they wanted. Disappointing."
Clarke praised his players' effort in the heat and humidity: "It was unbelievable the shift the players put in, the ones who played 90 minutes in that heat and humidity were outstanding, but we have to be better if we want to compete at this level." He added: "In the first four or five minutes we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night. For sure I think we're going home."
