Scotland's big guns turned up too late at World Cup and now it's costing us

But the next worst outcome, the one we all knew in our heart of hearts was happening, could yet unfold in the coming days.

Scotland will be in limbo until Saturday probably, enduring the kind of wait that is made more interminable by the knowledge there’s very likely to be bad news arriving in the post. Out on goal difference, again.

Is that light at the end of the tunnel or an approaching train? I think we all know the answer. The locomotive in question goes by the name of Vinicius Junior.

The forward scored twice and set the tone for Brazil with a performance that underlined his stellar status. Scotland couldn’t cope with him and his talented friends but perhaps the biggest regrets are those lingering from the opening two games. There was always a niggling doubt that a more handsome victory against Haiti than 1-0 was required. Against Morocco, although they steadied themselves after a chaotic start, Scotland still could not test ’keeper Yassine Bounou, failing to register a single shot on target for the first time in a World Cup match since 1986.

Read more: Can Scotland still qualify for World Cup knockouts? What Scotland require after Brazil defeat

It’s typical of the Scots’ preference to do things in a perverse way that they should end up showing the most attacking intent against Brazil, where they at least made Alisson, the South Americans’ goalkeeper, work. Scott McTominay sprang into life in the second half, forcing two saves from Alisson - one, from the Napoli midfielder’s low header, was immense.

However, this burst of activity form McTominay looks like being too late. Way too late.

It’s the World Cup where the big stars have all turned up: Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldo and Vinicius Jnr.

McTominay might not be in the first rank but he surely merits being listed in the second tier of top performers. It hasn’t though been a tournament he can look back on with satisfaction. His improved second half showing against Brazil, following a torrid first half when he was caught in possession several times, simply underlined the fact that he fell below standards for the most part. Starring in a glitzy pre-tournament advert for Adidas is one thing, with McTominay, in shades and a brown leather jacket, seen strutting through the streets of Naples like a healthier version of Renton from Trainspotting. It does, though, risk accusations of style over substance if performances are sub-standard when the real action begins.

An uncomfortable night for Scotland’s defence

Vinicius Jnr is an unfair measure since the Real Madrid player was superb. He now has four goals to his name at this World Cup, with Messi out in front with five.

Vinicius Jnr could and perhaps should have had a hat-trick. Scotland’s defeat to Morocco last week was deemed by some to have been unfortunate given there were two fair-to-middling penalty appeals.

Brazil were the ones with a grievance here. Vinicius Jnr saw a goal harshly chopped off after 22 minutes for clipping Jack Hendry’s calf while in the process of stealing the ball off him. The 25-year-old would otherwise have enjoyed a first-half treble. He was unplayable for the most part. The Scotland defenders endured an uncomfortable time, although they didn’t help themselves by playing their way into trouble. Scott McKenna was the most obvious culprit just seven minutes in after taking a heavy touch while Rayan was in attendance, gifting the opening goal to Vinicius Jnr.

The thunder and lightning stayed away. There were, though, times when Scotland were praying for the game to be suspended. How about until sometime next week? They would at least know what they needed to progress to the knockout round. As is stands, the waiting is the worst thing.

Games will come and go, a couple already have since Scotland left the field to a generous reception from Tartan Army members among the sold-out 64,487 crowd - Mexico have beaten Czech Republic and South Africa defeated South Korea. Scotland are teetering on the brink. The only certainty is that hopes will rise and fall until the final adjustment, the final judgment.

At least it ensures Scottish interest extending by a couple of days. Steve Clarke urged Scotland to qualify on their own merits on the eve of the Brazil match. The manager charged his players with making history for themselves, by winning or at least drawing against a team who have now stretched their unbeaten run against Scotland to 11 games since a first meeting at Hampden in 1966.

A 3-0 defeat wasn’t what was required. The final goal, from Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha, could yet be the one that sends Scotland spinning from the tournament. All is set to become clearer during a surreal couple of days back in North Carolina, when the Scotland players will be standing by their beds.

It’s like the most agonising VAR check ever. Although we all know what’s coming.