World Cup reader Q&A: Ewan Murray answers your questions

We’re two days away from the start of the biggest World Cup ever. Football correspondent Ewan Murray is in North Carolina with the Scotland team ahead of their game against Haiti this weekend. Ewan is answering your questions now on Scotland’s chances and all other World Cup-related queriesLambchops asks: It’s a well known fact that Scotland’s group opponents never end up meeting their expectations in the World Cup? Having faced Ronaldo’s convulsive fits in France 98 what misfortunes may befall Brazil this time? Will the “curse” be lifted if Scotland make it out of the groups this time? And speaking of curses, should we actually just try and get WWE wrestler Danhausen to curse our opponents as he seems to be having some success with US sports teams?Not a “curse” I have previously contemplated. The Netherlands did reach the final in 1978 The historical comparisons for Scotland are fair but of course skewed. This team will generally be regarded as the greatest of all time should they emerge from group C, which a 2-0 win over Haiti and nothing else might be enough to secure. The Scotland team of 1974 didn’t reach the group phase but also didn’t lose a game. A glance at that squad and suggesting this team might be superior feels silly.My wrestling interest ended in the days of Big Boss Man but I will take your word for it re: Danhausen.I thought Johnston had a very difficult time when he came on in Copenhagen at the start of the World Cup campaign. Clarke is of course fiercely loyal and emphasises the club feel within this squad but I think the reality is he does rate Ralston higher. Hickey is by far and away the outstanding right back. Patterson needs a transfer from Everton to reignite his career and, like Johnston, is far better on the attacking elements from right back then he is defending. Continue reading...