Disaster Index: 5.1 Entry: Scottish Set-Piece Expertise, Externally Deployed Cause: Austin MacPhee, the Scottish set-piece analyst credited with contributing to Aston Villa's European success, is currently integral to Portugal's World Cup campaign rather than Scotland's. Category: Structural / Historical Evidence: MacPhee's methods have produced measurable results at club level. Portugal have retained him for the tournament. Scotland are not Portugal's opponent at this stage, though the principle stands regardless of fixture. Historical precedent: Scottish tactical and coaching expertise has a documented record of improving the fortunes of other nations and clubs. The export of competence is not new. The timing sharpens it. Affected parties: Scotland's national football identity; anyone who has been following set-piece data with interest. Immediate outlook: The expertise exists. Its current deployment is elsewhere. The Index records the direction of travel without further comment. Filed: 6 July 2026 / World Cup 2026 group stage