Scotland's World Cup hopes shrink to 0.07% after group turmoil

Data provider Opta Scotland's chance of reaching the World Cup knockout stage has fallen to a mere 0.07 per cent, equivalent to roughly one in 2,000, after the team's third‑place ranking slipped to second‑last among the nine groups. South Korea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Ecuador and Paraguay had already finished ahead of Scotland in the third‑place table before the latest round of matches. Uruguay now sits only above Scotland after the South American side lost to Spain. Iraq needed to hold Senegal, but an early red card saw Senegal win 5‑0, gaining their first points and improving goal difference. Brazil's 3‑0 victory left Scotland with three points and a goal difference of minus three.

VAR decision robs Iran of late winner in World Cup showdown

Spain's win was a rare positive note for the Tartan Army. Egypt's 1‑1 draw with Iran placed Iran above Scotland on goal difference. Scotland now requires three specific results to go their way, starting with Ghana beating Croatia by at least three goals. A draw between DR Congo and Uzbekistan would also suit Scotland, as would an Uzbekistan win by no more than three goals. In the final group scenario, Scotland would need Austria to beat Algeria by two goals, or Algeria to win by four goals. Unless those unlikely outcomes materialise, Scotland's World Cup campaign will end within the next 24 hours in the United States. Manager Steve Clarke's side will depart without a knockout‑stage berth.