Scotland 0, Brazil 3: what actually went wrong?

In all honesty, what did Scotland do to make things go right? First tournament in 28 years, and a lot of those beloved fans over there have never seen Scotland at a World Cup, and for some this may be their last.

What did that support get in return for the passion and love they showed? One deflected goal against the mighty Haiti, two weak penalty shouts, and four minutes of good football against Brazil. Players should be really proud of that return, considering the non-stop talk about this being one of the most expensive World Cups there has been.

Last night's performance was always going to happen the minute the whistle blew in the Haiti game. Already everybody was calculating whether that was enough for Scotland to go through, thinking about the minimum they needed to squeak past. “It's okay if we lose 1-0 or 2-0, but 3-0 and it'll be nip and tuck.” Scotland's amazing ability to build up the most hype for a scenario and under-deliver should be studied.

Recent tournament history

One reason I am so critical about Scotland is because we are starting to set a new standard for our national team. Of the last four major tournaments we have qualified for the last three, major steps for the team. But what good does that do if you embarrass yourselves in every tournament?

Euro 2020: one goal scored, five conceded, out at the group stage when three of four teams advanced. Euro 2024: two goals scored (one an own goal), seven conceded, fourth again. This World Cup: one goal scored, four conceded. But don't worry, we're having a party because we beat Haiti 1-0. Where is the passion? Where is the care for the fans?

Scotland are the masters of our own destruction.

Cape Verde have put in spirited performances almost like they know this comes round every four years. You could even argue Curaçao gave more effort in their first ever World Cup, no first-tournament nerves there. If our plan was to win one game and lose two, why not blitz the game we should win and put a little fear into the bigger teams?

So what do we do?

It sounds negative, but it comes from a place where I want Scotland to improve. The joy these players provided when we qualified was shown to the world by our fans, starved of meaningful games. But that's all they did. With all due respect, the players gave off the energy of feeling entitled: from my eyes, fake hustling.

It's harsh, but Steve Clarke needs to go. His effort cannot be understated, but he has a questionable mindset and tactics in the big tournaments. We have the best player in Serie A last year, Premier League starters and bright young talent. They are no mugs. Yet we're so predictable and easy to play against. Scott Brown said it at half time: “Scotland doing what Scotland do.”

Let's change the narrative. Get someone in there who can hold the players accountable and motivate them for the big matches. It's time to start living up to the name Scotland has. Scotland the Brave.