SCOTLAND’S World Cup adventure almost certainly came to an error-strewn halt as they collapsed 3-0 to Brazil in their final Group C game Miami.
Immediately after the full-time whistle, distraught manager Steve Clarke gave his thoughts in a quickfire initial interview with BBC.
The interview was cut short as he walked off in obvious anger after saying: “We made it difficult for ourselves.
“That’s it. We gave them the goals and gave them the game they wanted. Disappointed.”
MISERY IN MIAMI…Steve Clarke looks on as Scotland topple to defeat.
It was easy to understand the team boss’ response through gritted teeth after a first-half double from Vinicius Junior – the first in only seven minutes following a horrendous howler by Scott McKenna – and another from Matheus Cunha.
The Scots’ goal difference took a hammering and any hopes of qualifying for the next stage with a third-place position are now hanging by a thread.
The top eight third-place teams will reach the knock-out stages and, following the mauling in Miami from the five-times winners of the trophy, Scotland sit sixth in those standings.
Clarke returned to speak to the broadcaster later and bluntly admitted: “I think we’re going home.
“We created some chances, but didn’t take them. Let’s be honest, the better team won.
“The shift that the players put in, the ones who played 90 minutes in that heat, that humidity, were outstanding. But we have to be better.
“If we want to compete at this level, we have to be better.”
BEGINNING OF THE END…Scott McKenna holds his head in horror as Vinicius Junior takes advantage of his blunder to put Brazil into an early lead.
The international gaffer, who introduced Kieran Tierney for the injured Andy Robertson at the break, added: “In the first five minutes, we were moving the ball quite nicely on the pitch.
“I thought we were settling into the game alright.
“And then we make a mistake. You cannot do that at this level, because it puts you on the back foot and then it becomes a long night.”
And the Scots face another extended delay before they discover their fate after the other sections have been concluded.
