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:
11. CF: Kenny Miller
Currently tied for 11th on the all-time Scotland men's national team goalscoring chart with 18 goals in 69 appearances, the former Rangers hitman had spells with Bursaspor, Cardiff City and Vancouver Whitecaps before returning to Rangers in 2014 for a third spell at Ibrox. Had a short seven-game spell in charge of Livingston in 2018, before ending his playing career with Partick Thistle two years later. Scored his goal for Scotland in a 3-2 defeat to England at Wembley in 2013. Currently in interim charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won the Israeli State Cup last month. He is expected to be handed the reins permanently at the club this summer. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group
12. Sub: Don Cowie
The Inverness-born midfielder won 10 caps for Scotland, with his last appearance coming back just a year later against the United States. A title winner with both Cardiff City and Ross County, the 43-year-old most recently had an 18-month spell in charge of the Staggies, but was sacked last August after a disastrous start to the Scottish Championship season. Currently not managing or attached to a specific club following his departure from Dingwall. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group