Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages are in doubt after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami, according to the report. Vinícius Júnior scored twice in the first half and Matheus Cunha added a goal around the hour mark. The loss leaves Scotland third in Group C and waiting until the weekend to learn whether they will be among the eight third-placed teams to reach the round of 32.
Manager Steve Clarke was given a 6 out of 10 in the ratings, with the report saying the defeat owed more to individual errors than tactical failings. Clarke received credit for shifting from the defensive approach used against Morocco and selecting a more attacking lineup, while the report noted this group of players remain relative newcomers at this level.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn was rated 6 and was described as being let down by his defence for the goals, though the report added he produced a string of good saves in the second half to prevent a rout. Full-back Nathan Patterson was rated 4 after leaving Vinícius Júnior with “acres of space” for Brazil’s second goal. Centre-back Jack Hendry received a 4 after being caught on the ball by Vinícius in the first half and being fortunate that VAR ruled a foul; the report said Hendry struggled with positioning, which featured in the lead-up to Cunha’s goal. Scott McKenna was given a 5; his error led to Brazil’s opener but the report noted he recovered reasonably well thereafter.
Left-back Andy Robertson was rated 5, with the report saying Bournemouth winger Rayan exposed a drop-off in Robertson’s pace and that his half-time substitution was almost a blessing. Midfielders Lewis Ferguson (7) and Kenny McLean (6) were singled out for leadership and tidy play respectively, though the report mentioned Bruno Guimarães brushed past McLean for Brazil’s third. Scott McTominay was rated 4 after a sluggish performance and several missed headed chances; John McGinn was given a 3 and described as being subdued by 34-year-old Danilo. Ben Gannon-Doak (4) and striker Lawrence Shankland (3) were also rated low for limited impact.
Among substitutes, Kieran Tierney was rated 6 for lively wing play and dangerous deliveries. Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Anthony Ralston and Che Adams were listed without ratings; the report noted Christie and Curtis had limited time after Scotland trailed 3-0, Ralston faced the same difficult assignment against Vinícius Júnior, and Adams had almost no involvement after entering in injury time.
