Scotland’s World Cup destiny is set to be decided in just over 48 hours' time as a mammoth Group C clash with Brazil gets underway at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, this Wednesday.
Knowing a win - or most likely even a draw - guarantees them a place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in history, the pre-game anticipation couldn’t be much higher, both in the United States, and back home in Scotland.
Believe it or not, it has been over 15 years since the sides last faced each other at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium way back in 2011 for an international friendly, with a goal in each half from a 19-year-old Neymar Jr sealing a comfortable 2-0 win for Mano Menezes’s side in North London.
But how many of the starting XI that night are still involved in professional football? Who changed careers, retired or perhaps even moved into the restaurant business? Over 15 years since Scotland’s last clash with the Samba Boys, we look at what happened to the starting XI that faced Brazil back in 2011:
1. GK: Allan McGregor
Little over a year after this game, McGregor left Rangers in order to move to Besiktas, where he stayed for just one season before signing for Hull City. Returned to Ibrox in 2018 and played a vital role in the club’s run to the Europa League final in 2022, pulling off several memorable saves as they made it all the way to Seville. He retired in the summer of 2023, and is now more frequently seen as a TV pundit. Had a three month spell as the Rangers' interim goalkeeper coach under Barry Ferguson during the 2024/25 season. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group
