Scotland chase historic knockout berth against Brazil as Neymar returns to bench in Group C finale
Scotland have never beaten Brazil in ten meetings and have never reached a World Cup knockout round. Tonight in Miami, both records could fall.
Group C decider
The final match of Group C pits Brazil against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Brazil share the group lead with Morocco on four points, while Scotland, participating in their ninth World Cup, are still chasing a first-ever knockout-stage appearance. A victory for Scotland would secure their passage; a draw may suffice, and even a defeat could still see them through as one of the best third-placed teams, depending on results across the other groups. Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, need a win or a favourable result in Morocco's simultaneous match to guarantee top spot.
Neymar returns to the bench
Neymar Jr has been named among the substitutes for Brazil after missing the opening two matches through injury.
Teammate Gabriel Martinelli added that Neymar has reached a very high level in training.He can play, he's fine, he's trained very well. I'm very happy with him.
The 34-year-old forward's availability, even from the bench, adds a significant dimension to Brazil's attacking options alongside Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, and Rayan.We had a training session and we could see his quality; we were stunned.
Scotland's historic opportunity
Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stage in eight previous World Cup appearances. Their last participation was 28 years ago in 1998, when a Tom Boyd own goal helped Brazil to a 2-1 victory. Steve Clarke's side built a reputation for defensive solidity earlier in the tournament, but goalscoring has been a problem: since a 5-2 win over New Zealand in 1982, Scotland have scored more than once in only two of their 13 World Cup matches. Scott McTominay and John McGinn, key to any attacking threat, are under pressure to deliver.
Lineups and referee
Both managers have named their starting elevens. Scotland: Gunn; Robertson, Hendry, Patterson, McKenna; McTominay, McGinn, Doak, Ferguson, McLean; Shankland. Brazil: Alisson; Gabriel, Marquinhos, Danilo, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paqueta; Vinícius Júnior, Cunha, Rayan. The Mexican referee César Arturo Ramos will officiate the contest. Kick-off is set for midnight local time in Miami.
Past encounters
The two nations have met ten times, with Brazil winning eight and drawing two. Their four World Cup clashes have all gone Brazil's way except a goalless draw in 1974. Billy Bremner missed from close range in that game. In 1982 Brazil won 4-1, in 1990 they edged it 1-0 after a Jim Leighton error, and in 1998 a Tom Boyd own goal sealed a 2-1 victory. Scotland will hope to reverse that history tonight.
