Former Scotland international Craig Burley has criticised the expanded World Cup format, stating that his country does not deserve to advance to the knockout stages after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. Speaking to ESPN, Burley argued that progressing would “just reward complete mediocrity.”
Scotland's World Cup campaign hanging by a thread
Scotland’s World Cup hopes are in jeopardy after losing 3-0 to Brazil on Wednesday night. The Scots had previously won their opening match against Haiti but were then beaten by Morocco. The heavy defeat to Brazil has damaged their goal difference, which could be crucial as they aim to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Under the expanded 48-team format, it is harder to be eliminated than to stay in the tournament, but Scotland must now wait for other results to determine their fate. Burley admitted that keeping Scotland in the World Cup would be a damning reflection on the new structure.
Burley: Scotland don't deserve to go through
“I have no problem with Scotland going out, or any of the teams down there, because, I am sorry, I know this is the way the bracket works with 48 teams, but we are just rewarding complete mediocrity,” Burley told ESPN. “They don't really deserve to go through if we are being honest and I don't think they will, barring getting lucky. In fact, if they do go through, I think it is just going to continue the embarrassment of looking like what Scotland are.”
He added: “It is kind of second rate isn't it, they just don't have the players, they have got a couple, but they just don't have the players of yesteryear.”
Scottish stars pessimistic about progression
Scotland captain Andy Robertson and midfielder John McGinn have also expressed doubts about their chances. McGinn described it as “unlikely” that Scotland would remain in the World Cup. Burley echoed this sentiment, warning that even if they do progress, there should be no celebration. “If they go through, fine, but there should be no celebration if this is the first ever Scotland team to qualify from the group stage, because it is just really by default,” he claimed.
Scotland have only won one of their three group matches so far, leaving them with a slim chance of advancing. The team’s fate now depends on results from other groups.
