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Scotland’s campaign at the World Cup fell apart not against Brazil, but in their earlier game against Haiti. A commanding 3-0 victory in that match might have been sufficient for qualification.

One can’t help but ask – is this shaping up to be the most disappointing World Cup ever? Readers are invited to share their thoughts.

After reading Steve Clarke’s post-match comments, Matt Stead perfectly captured the manager’s defeatist tone, pointing out that even Ghana and Cape Verde managed to hold England and Spain respectively.

Had Scotland taken a more attacking approach against Haiti and secured a 3-0 win, they could have stood a realistic chance of advancing with a goal difference of 0. Instead, they now sit at -3 GD, ranking sixth in the table for third-placed teams (seventh following South Africa’s recent victory).

Should Belgium draw, Scotland would slip to eighth. If Senegal triumphs, they would drop further to ninth, and a draw for Cape Verde would push them to tenth. It’s baffling how such underwhelming results have led to Steve Clarke being handed a four-year contract extension.

The decision to extend Clarke’s tenure until 2030 looks increasingly questionable with each passing day. Shrivathsa

Is this truly the worst World Cup in memory? The matches so far have been dull, lacking excitement or standout moments. None of the big nations appear under threat, and there hasn’t been a single goal worthy of long-term remembrance. Things could improve — they can hardly get worse — but for now, it’s been uninspiring. Matt Pitt

A few scattered thoughts on the World Cup and England’s campaign. Earlier, I predicted that sky-high ticket prices would lead to half-empty stadiums during less glamorous group games. I was completely mistaken. The turnout has been impressive even for fixtures like Jordan vs Algeria and New Zealand vs Egypt. It seems likely that the majority of attendees are expatriates or affluent American fans keen to pay premium prices for the experience.

Gianni Infantino’s belief in market demand has been vindicated, though at the expense of genuine football supporters who’ve been priced out. The Portugal match was a clear example — the crowd buzzed every time Cristiano Ronaldo touched the ball, something rarely seen in regular Portugal games.

This World Cup is setting a troubling precedent that could extend into future editions. It’s hard to picture Spanish, Portuguese, or Moroccan fans paying exorbitant sums to watch neutral matches, but at least the 2030 tournament should attract more traditional travelling supporters given its more accessible logistics. Jamie Bedwell, Cheltenhamshire

Having caught up on the recent discussions surrounding Jude Bellingham, I want to firmly support those defending him. I encourage fans of every other club to continue calling him overrated or arrogant for the rest of the tournament — especially if he fails to carry England to another improbable win.

Jude, when your Spanish adventure eventually ends, remember the criticism from rival supporters and managers. Manchester remains red. Simon MUFC

1) No mention of the white player missing an open goal from just eight yards out?

2) It’s extraordinary that the player with the most goals in Champions League semi-finals and finals is now being branded a “big-game bottler” after failing to score against DR Congo. Perhaps Eamon Dunphy was right all along.

The English fan base’s reaction after a single group-stage game mirrored that of Arsenal supporters last season — lavish praise when things go well, but panic and despair after one poor showing against a disciplined opponent.

It was just one group match. Even if England had lost due to legitimate penalties — which never occurred — their overall tournament prospects would have remained largely intact.

Fans should continue backing their national team. Constant negativity from supporters and the media can dampen morale. Players do read the criticism, and it inevitably affects confidence. Constructive feedback is valuable, but incessant pessimism after one setback helps no one. Tournaments are endurance tests, not quick sprints. Perspective and faith are essential. Abe (yanks know better) Tessema, AFC, New Jersey

England’s midfield at this World Cup — featuring Bellingham, Anderson, Mainoo, and Rice — consists entirely of players who operate best as number 8s. While some can adapt as a 6 or a 10, they naturally occupy similar roles. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze are the only true number 10s in the squad, which explains England’s struggles to break down Ghana’s defence. And no, I didn’t forget Henderson — I just chose to ignore him. Tunji, Lagos

The transfer market circus is repeating itself. Last summer it was strikers — Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Marvin Woltemade, Yoane Wissa — all commanding inflated prices. Most proved unworthy of their valuations.

This year, the same inflation has hit midfielders: Mattheus Fernandes, Enzo Fernandes, Elliot Anderson, Alex Scott, and Sandro Tonali are all fetching absurd fees. Yet again, Premier League clubs are falling into the same trap. Tunji, Lagos