New Caledonia's historic World Cup dream dies as Scotland's group opponents suffer defeat in Boston

Named in honour of Scotland after explorer James Cook said the tiny Pacific island reminded him of the nation, New Caledonia were aiming to become the smallest country to qualify for the finals when they faced Jamaica in the semi-finals of the Intercontinental play-offs in Zapopan, Mexico.

However, it was Jamaica - with St Mirren’s Richard King in their backline - who progressed to a showdown with DR Congo thanks to a 17th-minute goal from Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri.

Linked with Hibs during the last transfer window, Cadamarteri was on hand to convert from close range after New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine spilled a low free-kick from Ronaldo Webster.

The Reggae Boyz now meet African side DR Congo - who have Hibs defender Rocky Bushiri in their ranks - in Zapopan again on Tuesday for a place at the World Cup.

The other Intercontinental play-off final will be between Bolivia and Iraq after the Bolivians came back from a goal down to beat Suriname 2-1 in Monterrery.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s World Cup opponents Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat by France on Thursday night in a friendly match.

The game was played at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where Scotland will face Haiti and Morocco in Group C, although the match against Brazil will take place in Miami.

The French moved 2-0 up thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, although Brazil were presented with a route back into the match when Dayot Upamecano was sent off.

Brazil halved the deficit thanks to a goal from defender Bremer, but they were unable to find a leveller.

There was drama in the UEFA World Cup play-offs too, with Wales and Republic of Ireland suffering penalty heartache and Northern Ireland also crashing out.

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