Why Scotland can't play for draw or narrow defeat against Brazil
A draw or even narrow defeat could mean Scotland qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup. But how difficult is it to play a game you do not need to win?
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I don't believe Steve will be playing for a draw because there's a dangerous element to that."
— Craig Levein , Athlete
Key People
Andy Halliday is a former midfielder for Rangers and Motherwell.
Andy Robertson is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left-back.
Ben Gannon-Doak is a Scottish footballer known for his promising talent.
Craig Levein is a former player and manager of the Scotland national football team.
Scott Allan is a former midfielder for Hibernian and Celtic.
Steve Clarke is the head coach of the Scotland national football team.
Locations
All Coverage
A draw or even narrow defeat could mean Scotland qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup. But how difficult is it to play a game you do not need to win?
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
'Outfought' and 'not good enough' - Robertson on Scotland defeat
Scotland were "outfought" and simply "not good enough" in their 2-1 Nations League defeat by Slovenia, according to captain Andy Robertson.
October 6, 2026 at 10:13 PMNI World Cup hopes gone from 'improbable to impossible'
Michael McArdle admits Northern Ireland's chances of beating Portugal in a Women's World Cup play-off have "gone from improbable to impossible" after a 4-0 first leg defeat.
October 9, 2026 at 09:24 PM'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil
Northern Ireland defenders Nat Johnson and Rebecca Holloway tell BBC Sport NI of their dream of reaching a first ever Women's World Cup as NI go through the play-offs.
October 8, 2026 at 10:37 AMScotland let lead slip in abject defeat by Slovenia
Watch the best of the action as Slovenia come from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 in the Nations League at Hampden.
October 6, 2026 at 09:23 PMWales target clean sheet in World Cup play-off first leg
Rhian Wilkinson makes a clean sheet the first target for Wales in Friday's Women's World Cup play-off semi-final first leg against Albania.
October 8, 2026 at 02:38 PMHow can home nations reach Women's World Cup?
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are among those hoping to qualify for next year's Women's World Cup. What awaits them in the play-offs?
October 8, 2026 at 07:01 AM