Pampered, protected & primed - so why didn't Scotland players perform?

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Pampered, protected & primed - so why didn't Scotland players perform? Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Scotland players (from left) John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Lewis Ferguson and Andy Robertson leave the team hotel in Charlotte to head homeByAmy CanavanBBC Sport Scotland in Charlotte, North CarolinaPublished1 hour agoIt started with being piped on to the plane at Glasgow Airport. Four weeks later, Scotland's highly anticipated, emotionally charged, celebratory return to the men's World Cup after 28 years ends with the squad scuttling off on their separate ways and head coach Steve Clarke resigning after a sorry showing Stateside.

Missing from their luggage will be the brazen optimism that was United States-bound. Clarke and his then-bullish squad set off ready to "take care of business" and become the first side to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament. It will be replaced by the baggage of regret.

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The tremendous travelling Tartan Army - which has ensured the Scots won't be forgotten at these finals - was floored by the heat and humidity of Florida. It wasn't ready for it. But the players were.

In fact, they couldn't have been more prepared, protected and primed to perform. From world-class facilities and family time, to staying centrally in the cities and soaking up the atmosphere, all of the players' wishes were granted by the now departed Clarke and the Scottish FA. And yet here we are again, with shattered hopes, a heap of questions and silence from the Scotland camp.

Clarke leaves strong Scotland legacy but exit brings sense of relief Published22 hours agoScotland's ill-fated World Cup story finally at a sorry end Published1 day agoWhat does next Scotland head coach look like as 'monster job' awaits? Published21 hours agoBeckham, Sir Alex & Messi - the big build-up A lot can change in a month. When they landed in Fort Lauderdale - three days after Clarke signed a fresh four-year contract - the squad could hardly have been more vocal as they checked in at Inter Miami's $60m Florida Blue training centre.

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Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentina captain, who continues to light up the international stage 20 years on from his tournament debut, green-lighted every detail of the top-dollar set-up. And, if it's good enough for the wee man... The SFA pulled in some favours to secure the lavish establishment - it was Sir Alex Ferguson who rang Inter Miami president and co-owner Sir David Beckham to get the deal over the line.

When Clarke came for a chat pitchside - a sign of the "different" head coach at these finals - during their first proper training session under the scorching sun, he admitted it "cost a little bit more" than the SFA wanted to spend. "They have given us everything we've asked for," Clarke said. And they asked for a lot.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.