Scotland’s World Cup destiny is set to be decided in just over 48 hours' time as a mammoth Group C clash with Brazil gets underway at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, this Wednesday.
Knowing a win - or most likely even a draw - guarantees them a place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in history, the pre-game anticipation couldn’t be much higher, both in the United States, and back home in Scotland.
Believe it or not, it has been over 15 years since the sides last faced each other at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium way back in 2011 for an international friendly, with a goal in each half from a 19-year-old Neymar Jr sealing a comfortable 2-0 win for Mano Menezes’s side in North London.
But how many of the starting XI that night are still involved in professional football? Who changed careers, retired or perhaps even moved into the restaurant business? Over 15 years since Scotland’s last clash with the Samba Boys, we look at what happened to the starting XI that faced Brazil back in 2011:
13. Sub: Robert Snodgrass
'Snoddy' went from the second tier of Scottish football all the way to the English Premier League during his 19 year career. A £10.2million signing for West Ham United in 2017, he spent the best years of his career with the Hammers, before taking in sporadic stints with Aston Villa (loan), Luton Town and finally ended his career in 2023 after a disappointing spell at Hearts. Currently believed to working as a FIFA Licensed Football Agent following his retirement. Famously booed during an Open Goal live event at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro when his attempt at a comedic, late-night story fell flat and irritated the large audience two years ago. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 Photo: SNS Group
16. Sub: Barry Bannan
Now aged 36, Bannan is one of only two players who appeared against Brazil in 2011 that are still playing now. Moved to Millwall last January after an 11-year spell with Sheffield Wednesday, but looks set to return to Hillsborough this month, where he is regarded as a club legend. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group