Scotland fans face anxious World Cup wait after bruising Brazil defeat

Scotland fans face an anxious wait to discover if the team has qualified for the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

Steve Clarke's side lost 3-0 to Brazil in Miami but a third place finish in Group C means they could still make the last 32 of the World Cup.

The eight best third placed teams will progress but the qualifiers may not be confirmed until the last group games conclude, at about 05:00 BST on Sunday.

The men's team has failed to progress beyond the group stages at eight World Cups and four European Championships.

But at the 13th attempt the hopes of a nation are hanging by a thread after back-to-back defeats.

Scotland lost 1-0 against Morocco on Friday, in the second of two matches in Boston.

The first, a 1-0 victory over Haiti courtesy of a John McGinn strike, secured a vital three points.

But goal difference will now be critical and Scotland's is minus three.

According to statisticians the nation currently has a 49.2% chance of progressing.

The team will now return to their base in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they face a nervy few days to see if their World Cup adventure will continue.

Dejected captain Andy Robertson fears they have not done enough to make the knockouts.

He told BBC Scotland: "The next couple of days is going to be horrible."

Fans will spend the remaining group matches refreshing a table showing the best third-placed teams, desperately hoping Scotland can remain in the top eight.

Thousands of Tartan Army footsoldiers followed the game - which kicked off at 23:00 BST on Wednesday - in a giant Fifa fan zone in Bayfront Park.

Dario, from Hurlford, was joined by friends Ewen, from Troon, and George, from Irvine.

Dario said: "I'm tired, deflated, gutted.

"We were expecting a draw, we woke up absolutely buzzing.

"It's worst I've ever seen Scotland play. We just didn't go for it.

"We're here the party now. It's our last night so we're off to try and enjoy ourselves."

Davie Beverage, from Dundee, tried to stay positive as he reflected on Scotland's return to the global stage for the first time since France 1998.

Davie said: "We're obviously disappointed but we've got this far.

"We're just glad to be here. We waited 28 years to watch the team in a good World Cup and we're here.

"We're managing to enjoy it despite the score."

Bill Moultrie, from Castle Douglas, made the trip to the US with son Gabriel.

He said: "I've followed Scotland for years and years and yes I thought we might win this one. But it's not over yet.

"It's never game over for Scotland, there's always another game."

Bill urged the nation to stay positive while awaiting the outcome of the remaining group games.

He added: "I absolutely still believe.

"I've always got the faith.

"I'll never give up that's what being Scottish is."

Meanwhile, in Scotland supporters followed the match - which was live on the BBC - in pubs and clubs across the country.

Fans also took in the action on a 20ft screen at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

Extensions to licensing rules have been approved by nearly all Scottish councils, allowing pubs and clubs to stay open to show the games beyond normal closing times.

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has estimated that Scotland's group games could generate an additional £7m for pubs and bars.

While fans have been in party mode for the last few days and weeks, there was a sense earlier in the day that many had now starting to crunch the numbers.

Brian Guthrie, from Inverness, said: "I've got my spreadsheets out everyday.

"We're not counting our chickens yet, but I feel like we should be ok.

"I phoned in sick to be here, I'll be gutted not to go on.

"I'd love to go to Mexico City and the spreadsheet says it could happen."