SCOTLAND’S World Cup Finals elimination could be hastened by the time a set of results are confirmed in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Steve Clarke’s side are teetering on the brink of a dismal early exit after suffering back-to-back defeats against Morocco and Brazil.
The 3-0 loss to the five times-winners of the trophy in Miami left the Scots third in Group C with three points and a goal difference of -3.
WORLD CUP EXIT BECKONS…Steve Clarke cuts a forlorn image as he watches Scotland lose 3-0 to Brazil in Miami.
Clarke has already admitted he thinks the squad will be heading home, as CQN reported yesterday, and it looks as though his forecast will be spot on.
Results went against them last night in their bid to become one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
The Scots’ already-remote hopes suffered a blow following a shock victory for Ecuador over Germany in Group E and draws for Sweden and Paraguay in Groups F and D respectively.
The Ecuadorians came back from a goal down in New York to win 2-1 and move into third place on four points.
The Swedes’ 1-1 draw with Japan also leaves them third on four points, likewise Paraguay’s scoreless stalemate with Australia.
MIAMI MISERY…Scott McKenna is down and out.
Clarke’s team languish eighth in the third-place standings with six groups still to be completed. Croatia and Algeria require either a point or a one-goal defeat against Ghana and Austria respectively to finish above the Scots.
The picture will be even bleaker by tomorrow morning if Senegal beat Iraq in Group I, Uruguay avoid defeat against Spain in Group H and Iran get a win or a draw against Egypt in Group G.
The statistical chances of Scotland making history and progressing to the last 32 have now dipped below 10 per cent.
