Robertson injury clouds Scotland's World Cup last-32 hopes after 3-0 Brazil defeat

Andy Robertson hobbled out of Scotland’s 3-0 World Cup group-stage defeat to Brazil in Miami at half-time, leaving Steve Clarke’s side uncertain over their captain’s availability for the knockout rounds — should they reach them.

Robertson played the full first half before being withdrawn at the break, with Kieran Tierney coming on as his replacement. The Liverpool left-back was later spotted in Scotland’s dugout with an ice pack on his right ankle, offering little reassurance ahead of what could be a historic first knockout appearance for the nation.

Speaking after the final whistle, Robertson was measured about his condition. “Personally, time will tell,” he said. “I need to take a day or two to see what has actually happened, and I’ll do that.”

The defeat leaves Scotland with three points and a goal difference of -3 from their group, which currently places them sixth in the standings of third-placed finishers. The top eight third-placed sides advance to the last-32, meaning Scotland remain in contention — but only just. Before the tournament, a three-point haul with that goal difference was calculated to carry a 42 per cent chance of progression.

The wait for clarity will be a lengthy one. Only two of the groups had completed their fixtures at the time of Scotland’s elimination from the group stage, meaning the Tartan Army must watch the remaining results unfold before knowing whether they have done enough to make history.

Should Scotland advance without Robertson, they would face their first ever World Cup knockout match without the man who has captained them through qualification and into the tournament itself — a significant blow to a side that has already defied expectations by reaching this stage.