MIAMI GARDENS — The “Tartan Army” covered their faces in horror as Scotland committed a catastrophic error in its own penalty area in the opening minutes of Wednesday’s World Cup match against Brazil.
Scottish center back Scott McKenna had a pass intercepted by Brazilian forward Rayan in his own box, allowing Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. to score the game’s opening goal in the seventh minute.
The error came in front of the largest Scottish supporters’ section, which had only minutes before “olé’d” the Brazilians as Scotland managed an extended period of possession.
McKenna, who did not start Scotland’s previous match against Morocco, watched powerlessly with his hands on his head as Vinicius evaded Scottish goalie Angus Gunn to slot home his shot into an open net.
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Scotland appeared to have committed another critical error just 15 minutes later as fellow center back Jack Hendry was stripped by Vinicius Jr., who easily scored past Gunn again. After a VAR check, the goal was disallowed.
Does Scotland need to beat Brazil?
Scotland, which has never advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup, has one win and one loss from its first two group matches.
A win, or even draw, against Brazil will likely see the Scotland advance, though that will now be an uphill battle in Miami Gardens.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Scotland’s early blunder gives Brazil lead at World Cup in Miami
Reporting by Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
