Scotland Men's Football Team

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  1. 'Scotland masters of their own downfall' - what the pundits saidpublished at 01:45 BST 25 June

    Scotland v BrazilImage source, PA Media

    Rachel Corsie on BBC One

    There has been learnings. For me, today, there's similarities to the Hungary game at the Euros in Germany. They said "let them have the ball and we get chances", I felt there was similar elements to that today.

    Lucas Leiva on BBC One

    I expected a lot more from Scotland, especially on the defensive side, because I thought it was one of the strengths of this team.

    Pat Nevin on BBC Sportsound

    There was no lack of effort from those Scotland players.

    They didn't give up. Were they in the Brazilians' league? Nah, not really.

    It's probably not going to be enough, but it's probably going to go for the wire.

    Billy Dodds on BBC Sportsound

    We had our moments in the game, but Brazil could have scored more.

    We didn't half give them a helping hand and you just can't do that.

    We're at that stage where we always seem to be - going through the wringer for a few days.

    You can't play a nation of that quality and do what we did in the game.

    Willie Miller on BBC Sportsound

    Scotland were masters of their own downfall in terms of the goals they lost.

    The Shankland experiment didn't really work, he didn't get much of the ball.

    Scott Brown on BBC One

    You don't want to give those gaols away within six or seven minutes because then you're chasing your tail and we've done that in the last two games.

    Have your say on Scotland's performance against Brazil

  2. 'The lads are empty' - what the players said on Scotland's defeat to Brazilpublished at 01:43 BST 25 June

    Andy RobertsonImage source, Getty Images

    Andy Robertson

    "Making mistakes. We started the game well, we pushed up the pitch, they maybe put us in a false sense of security. We had time on the ball and then got punished. We're just off the pitch but the initial reaction is just one of frustration.

    "At times we were comfortable on the ball, at times we got ourselves in dangerous areas but at this stage, against these teams, we can't afford to make the mistakes we made.

    "We played some nice stuff when you then go and get beat 3-0. A frustrating night but I suppose we've only got ourselves to blame."

    On the chances of the Scots qualifying to the round of 32, he adds: "Personally time will tell.

    "As a collective we didn't want to put ourselves in a position where we have to watch every team and hope this team score or that team score.

    "Time will tell, maybe we'll get another shot at it. The next couple of days are going to be long and horrible but we put ourselves in this position."

    John McGinn

    "Gutted obviously. We lose poor goals at poor times against a team that can punish you with quality. We had a few chances but we've got to wait now.

    "The lads are gutted, we fell short on quality tonight but we gave it absolutely everything. The lads are empty now.

    "It's unlikely [to qualify] but we'll wait and see.

    "In moments they [Brazil] hurt you. They allowed us to have the ball and at this level if you make mistakes you get punished. We probably were fortunate to have the [second] goal disallowed.

    "It's a bit raw at the minute but we appreciate the support of the fans, we know it's difficult to be there. Hopefully the journey is not over and if we have to go again, we will go again."

    Kenny McLean

    "It was disappointing the result, the manner of the result.

    "The fact that we've given the goals away makes it even more disappointing

    'We worked on structure and the way we wanted to be off the ball, to try and control where they had the ball.

    "We did it for large spells, but when you give the opposition opportunities like that, it's going to be tough.

    "It happens, there's no blame attached to any individual. We can all do more.

    "Unfortunately, the first falls to their player, and I think there's a little bit of anxiety and nerves throughout the team after that.

    "We dug deep, we fought, we gave everything, we came up against a really good team and got punished again.

    "It's going to be really tough [waiting to see if Scotland advances].

    "Everything is out of our control, unfortunately.

    "We've not done enough ourselves, now we need to rely on others, which is not a nice feeling, but it's the position we've put ourselves in, and we need to keep our fingers crossed."

    Lawrence Shankland

    "It's a difficult night.

    "You know the quality of the opposition going into the game and you want to try and make it difficult for them. We gave away the goal, it was a mistake, it happens in football.

    "We dealt with the half ok, we had a bit of possession at times but we were never a real threat. Every time we gave up possession cheaply they were punishing us and creating chances.

    "It's hugely frustrating for everybody. You kind of know how the game is going to go before it starts.

    "We just live in hope. We are in this position because we put ourselves in it. We had the chance to take care of business and we didn't manage to do it. We're all gutted about that but we live in hope."

    Have your say on Scotland's defeat to Brazil

  3. Scotland 0-3 Brazil: Have your saypublished at 01:25 BST 25 June

    Have your say

    Scotland's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time are in significant peril after calamitous defending allowed Brazil to sweep them aside 3-0 in Miami and finish top of Group C.

    here

    Have your say via this link

  4. Scotland 0-3 Brazil: What Clarke saidpublished at 01:21 BST 25 June

    Steve ClarkeImage source, Reuters

    Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: "We made it difficult for ourselves, that's it.

    "We gave them the goals, we gave them the game they wanted. Disappointing.

    "You see their quality in the final third of the pitch, we didn't have that tonight.

    "We created chances but it wasn't enough. Let's be honest the best team won.

    "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.

    "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.

    "Only Scotland can get a winnable first game and then get number five and number six in the world."

  5. Should Scotland go for it against Brazil? Your questions answeredpublished at 18:26 BST 24 June

    Calum Macdonald
    BBC Sport Scotland in Miami

    John McGinnImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Will John McGinn help find a way to unlock the Brazilian defence?

    Two games down, only one to go?

    There could yet be more fixtures to come at the World Cup if things go Scotland's way against Brazil.

    We've been putting your questions to former internationals Leanne Crichton and Neil McCann before Wednesday's final - and vital - group game in Miami.

    Firstly, Brazil, how good are they? Should we be fearful or hopeful we'll get what we need from them?

    McCann: If you're getting a chance to play against Brazil for the chance to qualify for the first time in our history, to me that's something where you just say, 'I want some of that'.

    Brazil look very good going forward. I do think, because of the conditions, the build-up will be a wee bit slower, but once you get towards the middle areas of the pitch, they're exceptional.

    They could go very deep into the competition, but I just think it's a wonderful chance for us.

    We haven't really performed yet. I would love to see us have a go. You can't go wide open, we don't want to get a hiding and then we end up losing that chance to progress [on goal difference], but I just think we're so much more than we've shown.

    Crichton: If you had given us this opportunity at the start of the tournament to be heading into the third game with a real good chance of qualification based on the points tally that we're on and the goal difference that we're on, you would 100% have taken it.

    It's an unbelievable opportunity to go and face Brazil with their star-studded team.

    When you see teams like Cape Verde, Curacao and Congo having a go and getting results against higher-ranked teams, have Scotland underperformed by comparison?

    Crichton: The reality is Scotland have got an identity and they play a certain way under Steve Clarke. For the most part, that is with a real good defensive structure and a contained element within the performance.

    I think it's wonderful you can come to the tournament and see other identities and different styles of play.

    I think we need to focus on being Scottish. The element of being Scottish in the performances that we've seen throughout the qualifying campaign is the reason we're here.

    I think there's more to us, but the reality is we've won the opening game, which was a high-pressure game and such a vital start to the tournament for us.

    McCann: When you think of some of the results we had against Norway, against Denmark, when we had to go for it, we actually looked really dangerous and got rewards by going for it.

    I'm a wee bit different. I would absolutely think that we've got the players to have a go.

    Go and ask Brazil questions defensively, because I think because they do play with a freedom. I always feel that then you have opportunities to go and create your own magic in the final third and that's what we're all looking for.

    Where are the goals coming from?

    McCann: I thought [Lyndon] Dykes should have started against Morocco. I felt he came on and made a huge difference. I think [Lawrence] Shankland is the best finisher out of the three and Che Adams has served Scotland brilliantly.

    What Lyndon does as a lone striker means he energises and probably gives Scott McTominay and John McGinn more opportunities by being able to get us up the pitch. I would play Lyndon.

    Crichton: I think set-pieces could be absolutely vital. We need to try to sustain attacks for a little bit longer.

    It felt in the Morocco and Haiti games it was really quite a rushed job in terms of getting there and almost, when we got into that final third, everything had to happen really quickly and we chose the wrong decision.

    You're 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go. What do you do if a 1-0 defeat might take us through?

    Crichton: The reality is, where we are just now could be enough to take us through. But, if it was me and I felt we could play for that set-piece moment or get extra attackers on to the pitch to give you that bit of magic, then I would roll the dice.

    McCann: I'm going for it. I want to take destiny in my own hands as a coach. I want to go and do something off our own back.

    I don't want to be reliant on someone else and I think that's the fine balance of being stupid and being smart and I know there are probably times in my career that I have been stupid. I would absolutely go for it.

  6. Brazil 'nothing to be frightened of' for Scotland, says Lambertpublished at 16:13 BST 24 June

    Lambert was part of the Scotland side beaten 2-1 by Brazil in the 1998 World Cup openerImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Lambert was part of the Scotland side beaten 2-1 by Brazil in the 1998 World Cup opener

    Former midfielder Paul Lambert has urged Scotland not to fear Brazil in tonight's crucial World Cup showdown as Steve Clarke's men bid to become history makers.

    A point against Carlo Ancelotti's side will almost certainly be enough for Scotland to progress from the group stage of a major tournament for the first time, while a narrow defeat could also be enough.

    Lambert told BBC Radio Scotland: "We're a small nation and Brazil's an iconic footballing country.

    "Don't bother who you're playing against, that's the key to it. If you're going to worry about them then you lose focus on your own game.

    "We've got enough players in the Scotland squad that have played in big games before, they shouldn't be overwhelmed by Brazil just because of their names or the shirts they're wearing.

    "You certainly don't fear them, you go for them, and they're not the most resilient team I've seen. The front three could definitely be a threat, but there's nothing to be frightened of.

    "Any one-off game you can win. You can cause them trouble, because we will get chances, whether it's a set-play or something.

    "There's no reason why we can't cause an upset."

  7. The six-year-old Scot who designed Brazil's national tartanpublished at 16:09 BST 24 June

    Samuel Ukah
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Indie Menzies shows off her prize-winning 'Spirit of Brazil' tartan
    Image caption,

    Indie Menzies shows off her prize-winning 'Spirit of Brazil' tartan

    Six-year-old Scot Indie Menzies has designed Brazil's first official national tartan - and her family shares an uncanny link to the man who introduced football to the South American nation.

    The Brazilian Consulate in Edinburgh asked Largs Academy pupils to create Brazil's national tartan because of the town's historic footballing ties to the country.

    Indie's winning design, 'The Spirit of Brazil', takes inspiration from the iconic yellow and blue of the country.

    "We looked at the Brazil flag, and that showed me all the colours, and I decided where they would all go," Indie told BBC Scotland.

    Indie couldn't believe that her design was selected and reflected on her emotions when seeing the tartan in person.

    "I was like how is this what it looks like now? It's nicer than my drawing because it came to life."

    The Spirit of Brazil tartan drawing and design
    Image caption,

    The Spirit of Brazil tartan drawing and finished design

    The timing couldn't be more fitting as Scotland face Brazil in Miami at the World Cup on Wednesday night and the tartan is expected to appear at events marking the occasion, including the Coral Gables Museum where the world's oldest football is also being held.

    But for the Menzies family, this win has a deeper meaning. Indie's gran June is the great-great-great niece of Charles William Miller - the man credited with bringing football to Brazil.

    Miller was born in Sao Paulo in 1874. His mother is Brazilian, but his father originates from Fairlie, North Ayrshire - just three miles from Largs.

    Miller moved to England for school, where he found his love for football before heading back to Brazil and introducing the sport to nation.

    Miller even founded the 'Liga Paulista de Foot-Ball' which is currently known as 'Campeonato Paulista' - Brazil's first football league. To this day he's known as the father of Brazilian football.

    "There was something in our local paper about Charles Miller a while back, and we discovered then that we were related, so I wanted to just verify it," said June.

    "I got in touch with a local historian, and he got the family tree and showed us that we are related.

    "It's just lovely that we are related to him and it's just so nice the connection between the two countries."

    You can watch a documentary about the first time Scotland and Brazil met in the World Cup, in 1974, on BBC iPlayer.

    Charles William Miller is known as the father of Brazilian football
    Image caption,

    Charles William Miller is known as the father of Brazilian football

  8. Docherty has 'good feeling' Scots will avoid 'glorious failure'published at 14:36 BST 24 June

    Scotland squad in trainingImage source, Getty Images

    Tony Docherty has "a good feeling" that Scotland will at last put to bed their reputation for "glorious failure" when they face Brazil in World Cup Group C on Wednesday.

    The Scots will almost certainly qualify for the knock-out stages of a major tournament for the first time if Steve Clarke's side avoid defeat in Miami.

    "I've actually got a good feeling," former Dundee and Ross County manager Docherty told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast. "I'm positive about it."

    Docherty expected the win over Haiti but pointed out that Morocco and Brazil were always going to be tough as they are the seventh and sixth ranked sides in the world.

    "But what I've got an opportunity now," he said. "People might view this as a threat or as an opportunity. I see it as an opportunity.

    "They'll approach this game like any game, with the same attacking principles, same defensive principles, hoping that the footballing gods look down on us a wee bit.

    "I don't think they did against Morocco. I think decisions went against us, I think the referee was poor.

    "We're still in a position that we can qualify for the next 32 and make history."

    Docherty pointed out that playing in the heat of Miami will be "like playing in the oven" where "you're gasping for breath".

    However, he added: "Everybody has that feeling of you know, Scotland historically, we've had that glorious failure.

    "I feel this group of players are different and I've felt it for a while. They show real resilience and a real strong mentality and that's going to be required tonight.

    "Playing in a World Cup against Brazil for qualification, it doesn't get any better than that. I can see us coming away with a one each."