AS Scotland arrived home yesterday following their two-game trip to the United States, they did so with the feeling of a job well done, and with the strong suggestion from their weekend Washington opponents that they may well be able to hold their own against the might of Brazil when the opening game of the World Cup arrives next month.

Scotland manager Craig Brown was told by one of the American players, and by one of their officials, too, that his side had been more serious opposition than Brazil had when the two sides met in a tournament in February.

Then, the USA beat the world champions 1-0 just a week after Brown had seen his World Cup rivals draw with Jamaica.

Said Brown: ''It was encouraging to hear what the Americans were saying to us after the match.

''I think they knew that while we drew 0-0 we could easily have won the game.

''One of their officials told me that we had given them a lot more problems than Brazil had done.

''Indeed, he went so far as to say that we had played better than the Brazilians had done when they met in Los Angeles in February.

''Of course, we know Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Dunga were not playing but it was still a strong Brazilian squad, so it was nice to hear the American view of our up-coming game.

''Claudio Reyna, one of their best players - he did not play against us because he was injured - warned me we shouldn't treat the Brazilians with too much respect. He thought that would be fatal.

''The USA went into the game as they go into any game they play and ended up winners. I'm not saying that will happen for us, but I've said all along that we have to give Brazil respect but we cannot afford to hold them in awe because of their reputations and because of these yellow jerseys. That was the same message I was getting from the American camp.''

It was vital for Brown that he returned to Scotland without serious injuries to any of the squad members and that means that when he registers the group of players it will not alter from the men he took to the USA.

Gordon Durie was not risked against the Americans, but that was a precaution to ensure that he would be okay for the finals.

It was to the credit of the Scotland players that they were able to perform so competently in the blistering heat of the American capital.

At times on the field, the temperature reached 100 degrees and it never dropped below 90.

The players on the bench sat with towels packed with ice on their heads to try to lessen the effects of the fierce heat and humidity.

The players who were in action resorted to the same remedy in the dressing room at half time.

Brown explained: ''This is some- thing our medical people recommend. We have researched this carefully and while we won't get the same heat in France, it has benefited the players by playing in this.

''We shall reap the rewards of fitness when we go to the finals. Even Jim Leighton was affected badly because the temperature was so high.''

Leighton admitted: ''I had a bottle of water in the back of the net which I was drinking out of to keep the fluid levels up, and halfway through the first half I went to take a drink and, quite honestly, you could have made a cup of tea with it it was so warm. I felt dizzy at one stage during the game - there was just no relief from the sun.''

Leighton, now the assured No.1 after Andy Goram's departure, looked confident, especially in the first half when the Americans had the better of things.

There is a level of understanding in the defence now because of the number of times the back men and Leighton have played together.

Colin Hendry improves with every game and Brown said: ''There is not a better man for the qualities of leadership which we look for out on the field.

''He is not fazed by anything and, while he helps us build things from the back, he is also ready to clear his lines without any frills when that is called for.

He could have asked for more from Kevin Gallacher, though. The striker missed two chances, but Brown was not too critical.

Gallacher accepted the blame and explained: ''I should have scored, but too many thoughts went through my head and I missed the chance, but I won't let this affect me for the finals.''

Gallacher's food poisoning had left him without the match practice and the sharpness he would have needed to put the ball past keeper Kasey Keller. In France he will be fitter and more deadly.

q Match report - Page 2 Collins given leave - Page 3