Scotland need three results to go their way to reach World Cup round of 32

Scotland’s chances of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history are still mathematically alive, but only just. A 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami — Carlo Ancelotti’s side scoring through a Vinicius Junior brace and a Matheus Cunha strike — has left Steve Clarke’s team outside the top eight in the third-place standings.

For Scotland to advance, they need three results to fall in their favour simultaneously. First, Austria must beat Algeria by at least two goals in Group J, which would drop the north Africans below Scotland in the standings. Second, Uzbekistan must beat or draw with DR Congo — a result that, on paper, is not considered out of reach. Third, and most demanding, Ghana must defeat Croatia by three goals.

Should all three outcomes occur, Scotland would climb to eighth in the third-place table and secure a place in the round of 32 — a stage no Scotland side has ever reached.

The players themselves are under no illusions about how unlikely that scenario is. Midfielder John McGinn was candid after the Brazil defeat, admitting the squad expects to be heading home.

“We lose poor goals at poor times against a team that can punish you with quality,” McGinn said. “We had a few chances but we’ve got to wait now. The lads are gutted, we fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. The lads are empty now. It’s unlikely that we qualify, but we’ll wait and see.”

McGinn also acknowledged the supporters who have made the trip. “It’s a bit raw at the minute but we appreciate the support of the fans, we know it’s difficult to be there. Hopefully the journey is not over and if we have to go again, we will go again.”

The sequence of results Scotland require amounts to a high-stakes accumulator with slim odds, but until the final whistle blows elsewhere, Clarke’s side retain a sliver of hope.