Scotland’s chances of making next year’s World Cup are all but over after Russell Garcia’s side suffered back-to-back qualifying defeats in New Zealand.

The Scots were left to rue what might have been after slumping 2-1 to China on the opening day of the qualifying tournament – despite Stephen Dick giving them the lead.

And things went from bad to worse for Garcia’s troops, as when needing a win to keep their chances of making next year’s tournament in India alive, they fell to hosts New Zealand 24 hours later.

The pre-tournament favourites outclassed and outplayed Scotland running out 8-0 winners thanks mainly to Kiwi striker Nick Wilson who netted four in the space of 12 second half minutes.

And Garcia said: “It was very disappointing to lose eight goals but the Kiwis were a much stronger team than us.

“I was pleased that the players did what was asked of them, and we can learn from this.”

Scotland face Austria next on November 10 before ending the tournament against Malaysia and Wales.