Steve Clarke thinks Scotland are 'going home' after crushing defeat to Brazil

FootballSports
25 Jun 2026 • 4:36 PM MYT
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Scotland manager Steve Clarke thinks his side is "going home" after suffering a crushing defeat to Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti's men proved too good for Scotland, pouncing on sloppy mistakes to convincingly win 3-0.

Vinicius Junior tucked away a brace and Matheus Cunha got in on the act, to send Brazil through to the round of 32 in top spot of Group C.

Scotland's hopes of the knockout stages now hang by a thread, with Clarke believing his side have not done enough to qualify.

He said: "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.

"We know they're deadly in the attacking third of the pitch and we gave them for sure the first two goals, probably the third goal as well.

"So 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.

"We created one or two chances, but nothing really clean."

Image from: Steve Clarke thinks Scotland are 'going home' after crushing defeat to Brazil
Steve Clarke | Source: REUTERS

Clarke said he was not angry with the players who were trying to reach the knockout stages for the first time in Scotland's history.

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

"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."

"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.

Image from: Steve Clarke thinks Scotland are 'going home' after crushing defeat to Brazil
Steve Clarke | Source: REUTERS

"We have to try and be better at producing young players that can grace the world stage."

When questioned if he would ask fans to stay and spend more money in the US until they know their fate, he said: "Do you want me to make that decision for the people that are here?

"I'm not sure that's in my remit as a head coach. The fans are fantastic, they've been absolutely brilliant.

"And don't forget that this group of players brought these fans to America, this group of players qualified. That's why the Scottish journalists are here.

Image from: Steve Clarke thinks Scotland are 'going home' after crushing defeat to Brazil
Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the round of 32 now hang by a thread | Source: REUTERS

"Otherwise, we'd always be sitting on the sofa, watching the World Cup without Scotland.

"So, the fans appreciate what this group of players have done for them.

"They've had a great time, they are great ambassadors for the country, but they wouldn't be here without that group of players, and I think, for me, that's a very important point."

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