Scotland stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Brazil in Miami on Wednesday, with a spot in the World Cup last 32 within reach. However, the journey has been marked by criticism of their defensive style, sparking debate about the manner of their potential achievement.
Historic opportunity amid grumbling
The best-third-place table currently has Scotland second after their 1-0 win over Haiti, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout phase for the first time. A heavy defeat against Brazil could damage that, but three points from Group C may still be enough. Notably, legends like Denis Law and Kenny Dalglish never progressed beyond the group stage with Scotland. The 1974 World Cup team went unbeaten yet exited early, a burden that has weighed on the nation for decades.
Rory McIlroy suggested Scotland benefited from World Cup expansion, but they actually topped their qualifying group. Still, the path to the last 32 can be straightforward for some. Victory over Haiti was expected, as was defeat to Morocco, and another loss to Brazil is plausible. If Scotland stumble through, there will be celebrations regardless of context.
Steve Clarke defended his team, noting they don't make tournament rules. A group containing two top-six nations is a tough draw. Facing a heavily backed Brazil in oppressive heat will be one of Clarke's sternest challenges.
Robertson dismisses permutation talk
Captain Andy Robertson insisted he "couldn't care less" about the third-place permutations. "After the game that might change, I can't deny that. But we are in control of our own destiny at the moment. What we do know is if we get a [positive] result against Brazil, we will be 100% through," Robertson said.
At home and in the US, debate rages about Scotland's approach, often framed in black-and-white terms. Clarke's team are often defensive due to a lack of attacking talent rather than a deep-rooted desire. Supporters realize they need more invention. In chance creation and shooting statistics, Scotland rank lowly, which should sting given their proud football history.
Clarke laughs off safety-first label
When a Brazilian journalist asked if Scotland needed to be safety first, Clarke laughed: "I don't want to say anything because I've got the Scottish media here and they kill me for being too conservative." The point was an exaggeration but acknowledged the narrative. It will intensify if a one-dimensional Scotland are pummeled by Brazil.
Ben Gannon-Doak, almost an old-school winger, is a significant figure. It would feel like an opportunity lost if Clarke does not select him, giving Brazil something to ponder. Gannon-Doak's impact at this World Cup means he deserves to play.
Seeking a point against Brazil
Scotland could lift the mood by taking at least a point from Brazil in their fifth World Cup meeting. Reaching four points would be an excellent achievement. Aside from 1982, when Brazil won 4-1 in Seville, matches have been tight. Scotland led through David Narey's stunning goal, which only irritated the Brazilians.
With stakes so high, it seems nonsensical to suggest the how is more important than the what. Yet noise around Scotland, which existed before this tournament, has ramped up after performances in the opening games. Clarke has been accused of lacking ambition and deploying a style unlikely to win friends. Scotland are typically low scorers and often look paralyzed by fear of counterattacks.
"We know what we have to do," Clarke said. "Not overcommit going forward, don't leave yourself open to a counterattack. And when we have the ball, create chances." Robertson added: "We can't just spend 90 minutes defending and not having the ball. Defensively in the first two group games, we have probably been better than in attack. We have not created as many chances, which we are working really hard to do because we need to score goals."
Scotland sit 90 minutes from a progression that would define a team. How they secure it carries meaning that does not apply elsewhere in this World Cup.
