Clarke believes Scotland are heading home after self-inflicted defeat to Brazil

Scotland coach Steve Clarke believes his team is on the verge of exiting the World Cup after a "largely self-inflicted" 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final Group C match. Despite accumulating three points, Scotland's chances of progressing to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams appear slim, with Clarke acknowledging they are likely heading home.

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Fair result. You give a team like Brazil the chances that we gave them in the game, you expect to get punished. And that's what happened. I think we're probably going home.

"Fair result," Clarke stated after the match. "You give a team like Brazil the chances that we gave them in the game, you expect to get punished. And that's what happened. I think we're probably going home." He elaborated that Scotland conceded the goals due to defensive errors, particularly in the attacking third, while Brazil also missed opportunities. "We gave them the goals, but on the counter of that, they also missed a few chances and Angus (Gunn) had to make a few good saves."

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I'm disappointed for them because they didn't reach the levels that they can reach.

Clarke's frustration stemmed from his team's failure to perform at their usual level. "I'm disappointed for them because they didn't reach the levels that they can reach," he said. "I think we all know that. Anybody that's watched this team over the last few years knows that we didn't reach the levels that we can reach." He also pointed to structural deficiencies in Scottish football, noting the physicality, power, and technique displayed by opponents like Morocco and Brazil.

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I think when you see the physicality, the power and the technique of both Morocco and Brazil, you can see that we have to do something about it.

Despite the disappointing exit, Clarke lauded the Scottish fans, the "Tartan Army," for their vibrant support throughout the tournament. He reminded everyone that it was this group of players who qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, preventing Scotland from merely watching from the sidelines. "They've had a great time, great ambassadors for the country, but they wouldn't be here without that group of players."

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Don't forget that this group of players brought these fans to America. This group of players qualified.