Scotland's World Cup hopes at 0.07% after brutal chain of results

Scotland's chances of reaching the World Cup knockouts have collapsed to 0.07% – down from 42% just over 48 hours ago – after a 3-0 defeat by Brazil left them with a goal difference of -3 and only three points from Group F. Worse, results elsewhere have systematically torched their path forward. South Africa beat South Korea 1-0, pushing the Koreans into third place but with a better goal difference than Scotland. Ecuador then stunned Germany 2-1 to finish third with four points, sealing a spot in the last 32. Sweden held Japan to a 1-1 draw, also qualifying with four points. After Paraguay and Australia played out a stalemate that suited both sides, Scotland's chances dropped to 5.26%. Uruguay losing to Spain offered a glimmer, but Iran's draw with Egypt left Steve Clarke's side 10th out of 12 third-placed teams, according to Opta. Now only three groups remain, and Scotland need four third-placed sides to have a worse record. The specific requirements: Austria must beat Algeria by at least two goals, or Algeria win by four or more; Ghana must defeat Croatia by three goals or more; and either DR Congo and Uzbekistan must draw, or Uzbekistan win by no more than three goals. Meanwhile, England sit top of Group L on four points, level with Ghana but ahead on goal difference. Thomas Tuchel's side face Panama on Saturday, but even a win does not guarantee top spot – Ghana could still overtake them by beating Croatia by a larger margin. A draw would open the door for Croatia, who are on three points. For Scotland, the arithmetic is brutal. They need almost everything to break their way, and time is running out.