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
Ireland below standards in World Cup loss to Scotland
Ireland coach Gareth Grundie describes the performance in the 2-1 World Cup defeat by Scotland as "not to the standard that we'd set ourselves".
August 22, 2026 at 12:24 PMEngland World Cup hopes end after Netherlands draw
England's chances of World Cup glory are over after they draw 2-2 with the Netherlands.
August 24, 2026 at 08:40 PMCeltic & Rangers must play next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors
Celtic and Rangers are ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors after fan disorder last season.
August 28, 2026 at 01:14 PMSlovan Bratislava through in Champions League after extra-time brilliance
A brilliant flick over the keeper from Cristian Martinez in extra time is enough to get Slovan Bratislava past Celje and in to the Champions League.
August 26, 2026 at 10:37 PMNetherlands beat Scotland by 58 runs in first ODI
The Netherlands comfortably beat a youthful Scotland side to take the lead in a three-match ODI series.
August 28, 2026 at 05:02 PMHearts to 'go for it' in Champions League quest
Head coach Wouter Vrancken insists Hearts will "go for it" as they prepare to start their Champions League qualifying campaign at Sturm Graz on Tuesday.
July 20, 2026 at 05:07 PM