Scotland’s World Cup exit confirmed as Clarke’s side head for home
· Yahoo Sports
Scotland’s departure from the World Cup was confirmed on Saturday after Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia.
Steve Clarke’s side mustered three points from nine in Group C, with a minus three goal difference. But as expected it was not enough to secure a place among the eight best third-placed teams who move through to the last-32 of the competition.
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After losing 3-0 to Brazil in their final group game, the Scots needed a series of results to go in their favour, most of which did not.
By Saturday, Scotland required favourable outcomes in three group fixtures, the first of which was in Group L where Ghana had to beat Croatia by at least three goals.
It did not happen and the Scots began packing their bags.
Clarke’s squad went through their paces at MLS side Charlotte FC’s training base on Saturday before returning to their city centre hotel to await their fate.
Scotland, who have never qualified for the knock-out stages of a major competition, began their first World Cup campaign in 28 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Caribbean minnows Haiti in Foxborough, with midfielder John McGinn scoring the decisive goal.
The Scots, backed in the US by tens of thousands of Tartan Army, then suffered a 1-0 defeat by AFCON champions Morocco at the same venue having lost a goal after 70 seconds before a sobering and, in parts, self-inflicted loss to five-times winners Brazil in Miami.
Since taking over as boss in 2019, Clarke has guided Scotland to three out of four major finals but like Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, the Scots have faltered at the group stage.
It has elicited stinging criticism from frustrated supporters who have watched just four goals in nine games in those finals, with the concession of 16.
In May, to raised eyebrows, the former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock boss signed a new contract with the Scottish Football Association until the 2030 World Cup and that will now go under the microscope.