If the football data experts are to be believed, Scotland's chances of progressing to the knockout stages are high — despite a popgun attack that has mustered just one goal (a double deflection) in two World Cup games. Steve Clarke's squad head to Miami to face Brazil on Wednesday, potentially the biggest day in the history of the national team, aware that win, lose or draw, this might be the most glorious week. A first-ever win over Brazil would spark a Tartan Army carnival. A draw would do the same. But if Scotland lose by a goal or two, or even three, and still make the last 32? "A strange kind of glory?" asks BBC Scotland's chief sports writer Tom English. "Does it actually matter a damn?"
The statistics are stark: Scotland have had no shot on target in their last game and a half and only two overall. Che Adams, the principal striker, has had three touches in the opposition box in 146 minutes. They failed to register a shot on target against Morocco, the first time that has happened on this stage since the 1986 World Cup. "They wanted to be a bazooka, but so far they're positively popgun," English writes. Across their last five tournament matches (including the Euros), Scotland have managed five shots on target and three goals — two deflected shots and one own goal. Yet qualification remains within reach.
“Scotland face Brazil with popgun attack but high chances of progress; Arsenal's history of World Cup signings continues.”
While Scotland ponder the meaning of success, the World Cup continues to shape transfer business. Arsenal have a long history of signing players off the back of impressive tournaments. In 2002, Gilberto Silva was plying his trade at Atletico Mineiro and off the radar of European scouts until he stepped in for an injured Emerson (who dislocated his shoulder playing in goal before the opening fixture). Gilberto played every minute of Brazil's triumph, becoming the 'invisible wall'. Arsène Wenger, working as a TV pundit, spotted him and completed a £4.5m deal in July 2002. The rest is history: Gilberto was pivotal in Arsenal's Invincible campaign and later captained the side. In 2014, Alexis Sanchez — already on Barcelona's books — cemented his world-class reputation with explosive performances for Chile, and Wenger wrapped up a £35m deal three days before the World Cup ended.
Now Mikel Arteta is monitoring players at the 2026 tournament, including France's Bradley Barcola, Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi, Argentina's Julian Alvarez and England's Morgan Rogers. None would truly come out of nowhere, given Arsenal have been tracking each for months. But the allure of a World Cup moment remains.