Scotland's World Cup hopes hang in balance as wait for third-place verdict begins
After a 3-0 defeat to Brazil, Scotland face an anxious wait to see if their three points and -3 goal difference will be enough to reach the round of 32 as one of the top eight third-place teams.
Scotland's group campaign ends in defeat
Scotland lost 3-0 to Brazil in Miami, leaving them on three points after a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 loss to Morocco. They finished third in Group C with a goal difference of -3.
The waiting game begins
The top eight of the twelve third-place teams advance. Scotland currently sit seventh in the third-place standings. Bosnia & Herzegovina are already through with four points. South Korea (3 pts, -1) have a strong chance, pushing Scotland into an anxious wait. Midfielder Kenny McLean said:
It's a waiting game, unfortunately. Maybe results will go our way.
What Scotland need from other groups
For Scotland to progress, four third-placed teams must finish with worse records. The Scotsman outlines that a heavy Australia win against Paraguay, Germany and Ivory Coast avoiding defeat, and an Austria victory by two goals over Algeria would help. Scotland also need Senegal and Iraq's match to end in a draw or narrow Iraq win.
- South Africa beats South Korea 1-0, pushing South Korea into third on 3 pts and -1 GD, ahead of Scotland's -3.
- Paraguay vs Australia: Australia win by two goals required to push Paraguay below Scotland on goal difference.
- Curacao vs Ivory Coast and Ecuador vs Germany. Scotland need Germany and Ivory Coast to avoid defeat so Ecuador stays on 2 pts.
- Final group-stage matches (e.g. Senegal vs Iraq). Third-place standings locked and Scotland's fate decided.
Criticism of format and quality
Former captain Craig Burley said advancing would be a "reward for mediocrity" given Scotland's goal-less losses.
Fellow pundit Steve Nicol argued the expanded format devalues the tournament.I have no problem with Scotland going out... because I'm sorry... but we'll just be rewarding complete mediocrity here and they don't really deserve to go through if we're being honest.
A World Cup is supposed to be the elite.... And it's being devalued when there are certain teams who are going to be going through who just don't deserve to be there.
Next steps
The final group-stage matches conclude on Saturday night, by which time Scotland will know their fate. Defender Nathan Patterson summed up the mood:
We made mistakes, but that happens in football. And now we just have to hope things go our way.
