Scotland defeat ramifications for Hearts and Hibs stars as Brazil loss puts nation on brink of World Cup exit
Scotland’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after defeat vs Brazil.
Hearts and Hibs stars could be set for an early exit from the World Cup after Scotland’s 3-0 loss to Brazil.
Steve Clarke’s side have come under fire at their first crack at the game’s biggest tournament since 1998. A 1-0 win over Haiti brought performance critique before a loss by the same margin to Morocco left them needing at least one point against Carlo Ancelotti’s side to all but cement progress through being one of the best third-placed teams. Vinicius Junior’s double and Matheus Cunha’s strike leaves them needing several favours from others to avoid exiting the tournament before the end of this week with Scotland’s group games done.
Hearts veteran Craig Gordon was an unused substitute goalkeeper in all three games, while after starting the first two games, Hibs centre-back Grant Hanley was dropped to the bench and not used versus Brazil. An early bath from the World Cup would bring domestic matters for both players into view.
What would ramifications for Hearts and Hibs stars be from World Cup exit for Scotland?
In terms of Gordon, his future will be the focus, as he’s out of contract currently with Hearts. He played back-up to Alexander Schwolow last season and the legendary goalkeeper - now 43 and turning 44 in December - must decide whether to keep playing or not. Hearts are back in pre-season before the end of June and then head to Spain for warm weather training.
Like Gordon would too, a break would likely ensue for Hanley, after plenty of action during his debut season for Hibs. David Gray’s side are already back in pre-season training and it remains to be seen whether the 34-year-old would be back in time for Conference League qualifiers against the winner of Albania’s FK Vllaznia vs Kosovo’s FC Malisheva. Action begins in a month’s time on July 23.
"It was unbelievable the shift the players put in, the ones who played 90 minutes in that heat and humidity were outstanding, but we have to be better if we want to compete at this level," boss Clarke said on BBC Scotland. "In the first four or five minutes we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night. For sure I think we're going home."
What John McGinn said about Scotland loss vs Brazil?
Hibs hero John McGinn started the game in midfield and the former Easter Road ace - who scored the winner against Haiti - was left gutted Scotland couldn’t show more against Brazil. The Aston Villa captain has his fingers crossed that the World Cup journey might not be over.
"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. 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."
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