Scotland face a mountain to climb against Brazil in their World Cup Group C finale after a Vinicius Jr double in Miami left the Tartan Army 2-0 down.
A Scott McKenna howler seven minutes into the contest saw Vinicius Jr capitalise and pass into the empty net after sidestepping Angus Gunn in Miami to break the deadlock.
And the Tartan Army, who require a win to guarantee progress to the last 32, were almost 2-0 down when Jack Hendry was caught in possession by the Real Madrid superstar, who finished clinically. But replays showed a slight contact before Vinicius Jr pinched the ball, leading to VAR ruling out the goal to ensure Scotland remained just 1-0 down. But Vinicius Jr did make it 2-0 with his second of the game when he converted Bruno Guimaraes’s cross with a header at the back post.
It’s already been a memorable tournament off the pitch for the Tartan Army. And on it, despite defeat to Morocco last time out, Scotland’s opening victory against Haiti ensures their Group C fate is still in their hands. Scotland have never beaten Brazil, but a first victory would take Steve Clarke’s side through to the last-32. A draw would also likely do it, while a narrow defeat, perhaps by one goal, may also be good enough for progress.
A Scotland defeat, however, would leave the Tartan Army with a nervy wait to see they will go through as one of the eight-best third-ranked teams, a quirk of the new 48-team format that has already brought some controversy. Follow all the latest from Miami below as Scotland face Brazil:
Scotland 0-2 Brazil
SAVE! Half a chance for Scotland as the cross is whipped in by Tierney and McTominay rises highest but can only power the header straight at Alisson.
Scotland 0-2 Brazil
Unlucky from Gannon-Doak, who’s just crowded out as he latches onto a pass forward.
It’s Scotland’s turn to enjoy some possession now.
Scotland 0-2 Brazil
Some early possession for Brazil here to begin the second half.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-2 Brazil
Back underway at the Miami Stadium!
Kieran Tierney has come on for Andy Robertson at half-time.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-2 Brazil
The players are back out onto the pitch in Miami, so we’ll be getting re-started soon.
Scotland need a minor miracle to claw this back but they won’t be giving up yet with a place in the last 32 on the line.
At present, Scotland are sixth in the list of the best eight-placed teams, though several sides can improve on their records in the coming days.
Even one goal would move them up to fourth in that list.
Why Vinicius Jr’s goal for Brazil against Scotland was disallowed after controversial VAR reprieve
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-2 Brazil
It’s been a shocking start for Scotland, but they’re just about still in this. A draw would almost certainly take them through but even a narrow loss would put them in a decent position, so even reducing the deficit might be enough to take them through.
It’s all to play for in Miami but Steve Clarke’s side will need to improve dramatically in this second half.
‘We need to regroup’
“It’s really difficult, they’ve shown their threat, they’re comfortable and will punish you,” says Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith at half-time.
“We need to regroup. We have to be better defensively, they’re happy to leave boys up the pitch, but we have the final third, we haven’t tested them enough,” he added.
