Scotland's World Cup dream is still alive after the setback against Morocco, but Patrick Vieira has revealed he was left disappointed by Steve Clarke’s side.
The Tartan Army remain well placed to reach the knockout stages, with three points on the board before a blockbuster final Group C clash against Brazil.
However, World Cup winner Vieira believes Scotland held themselves back when the moment called for greater ambition. The Arsenal legend was watching on as a pundit on The Rest Is Football on Netflix and did not hide his frustration at what he saw.
Vieira said: “I was watching the game. When you look at the individual talent that you have in the team, they should be a little bit more ambitious. I think they are better than what they think they are.
“That’s why I was disappointed they didn’t go for it. There was the space to at least get the press against Morocco.”
Ex-Scotland star Ally McCoist has been in the gantry for Scotland’s matches as one of ITV’s lead commentators, and he shares Vieira’s view that Friday’s display fell short of what Clarke’s players are capable of.
He said: “That was the important thing. I think Scotland have been pretty much what we’ve expected so far. They’ve won the game they had to win.
“I thought we were disappointing for 35 minutes against Morocco, had a horrendous start, and then they looked nervy and came into it in the second half and couldn’t nick it, could’ve had a penalty, that’s where we are.
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“The strength in the team is the midfield. We struggle for goals, defensively we’re OK. I think we are where we are, to be brutally honest.
“I still think there’s a reasonable chance.”
Pressed by fellow guest Micah Richards on whether Scotland will progress, McCoist backed Clarke’s men to respond. He said: “I do. I genuinely do. I think we will.
“I would not rule out a point against Brazil. But I just think we’ll do alright. I don’t see them battering us. In the Morocco-Brazil game, I was probably more impressed with Morocco than I was with Brazil.
“It wouldn’t be us if we weren’t hanging on and working out goals for, etc.”
McCoist also highlighted one attacking weapon he believes Scotland must use more, as he echoed Vieira’s demand for greater attacking intent. He added: “The team selection was interesting.
“The one thing we have got in the team that we haven’t had for 10/15 years is the boy Gannon Doak. He’s got something; he can go by somebody, he’s got a bit of pace in a wide area.
“We haven’t had that for 20 years.”
