Andy Robertson suffers heartbreak as Scotland's World Cup dream ends
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Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland's head coach after the team's elimination from the World Cup, following Croatia's victory over Ghana that ended Scotland's tournament hopes and confirmed a group-stage exitAndy Robertson is heading home from the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Scotland has been eliminated from the World Cup — and the team's head coach, Steve Clark, has resigned.Scotland's fate was confirmed on Saturday, as Ghana was defeated by Croatia, sealing the Scots' failure to progress to the knockout stages as one of the eight best third-placed sides, three days after their 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Brazil. That's a huge blow to Liverpool legend Andy Robertson, who is Scotland's captain.Just 30 minutes after Scotland's tournament exit was confirmed, it was announced that Clarke had chosen to stand down.
A brief statement on social media read: "Scotland Men's Head Coach Steve Clarke has stepped down from his role."Our most successful National Team Head Coach has called time on his seven years in charge following our participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026."Clarke said: "The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn't have had any of the memories that we've accumulated from 2019 until now."They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive, and it was truly an honor to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me, and good luck to my successor."Steve Clarke and Scotland are heading home after being knocked out of the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: "While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve's seven years in charge."From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament."We thank Steve for his record-breaking contribution and know that when the disappointment of World Cup elimination subsides, the Scotland supporters will be thankful for the memories of marching with pride at major tournaments once again."Finally, on behalf of the board of the Scottish FA, I would like to make special mention to our incredible supporters.
The many thousands who have traveled to the United States to celebrate the return to a World Cup — making a significant financial commitment to do so — have once again shown themselves to be exceptional ambassadors for our country and our national game."Scotland's hopes of reaching a first-ever World Cup knockout stage were dashed after the side finished third with three points in Group C. Vinicius Junior netted twice before the break, with Matheus Cunha adding a third after the interval to complete a commanding triumph for the Selecao.Clarke readily acknowledged that his team's prospects of reaching the next stage were virtually extinguished at that point, despite Opta's predictive model indicating a 24.9 percent probability of advancing to the next round."Yeah, for me, I think for sure we're going home," Clarke told reporters.