Clarke storms out of interview as Scotland's World Cup exit looms after 3-0 Brazil thrashing

Scotland’s World Cup campaign is on the brink of collapse after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami left them third in Group C with three points and a goal difference of -3. The result means the Tartan Army’s fate now rests on results elsewhere, with Steve Clarke’s side currently sitting seventh in the third-place standings as 18 group matches remain to be played this week.

The tension spilled over in the immediate aftermath when Clarke abruptly walked out of a post-match interview after being asked about Scotland’s slim chances of advancing. “I don’t even think about that,” Clarke said, before turning away from the camera. The BBC were forced to cut back to presenter Kelly Cates in their Salford studio before a visibly frustrated Clarke returned to complete a full interview, conceding that Scotland are “for sure” going home.

Midfielder John McGinn was more measured but no less bleak in his assessment. “The lads are empty now,” McGinn told reporters. “It’s unlikely [we’ll qualify] but we’ll wait and see.”

For Brazil, the evening carried a far more emotional tone. Neymar, introduced from the bench for the final 15 minutes in his return to World Cup football, was photographed in tears after the final whistle as he embraced his family pitchside. The former Barcelona forward shared the moment with partner Bruna Biancardi, daughters Mavie and Mel, and an emotional reunion with his son Davi Lucca.

Elsewhere in Group C, Morocco closed out their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Haiti but could not overhaul Brazil on goal difference. Brazil finish top, Morocco qualify in second, Scotland end third, and Haiti are eliminated in last place.

In Group B, Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 while Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1, with the four sides finishing in that exact order. Group A also concluded overnight, with hosts Mexico beating Czechia 3-0 to finish top on a perfect nine points, while South Africa edged South Korea 1-0 to claim second place.