Neymar set for World Cup return as Brazil aim to top Group C against Scotland in Miami
Brazil's 34-year-old forward Neymar is available for the first time this tournament after a calf injury, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed, raising expectations ahead of Wednesday's clash with Scotland.
Matchup and stakes
Brazil face Scotland on Wednesday evening at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for the final round of Group C. The Seleção sit top with four points, tied with Morocco but leading on goal difference (+3 to +1). A win or a draw, combined with Morocco failing to beat Haiti, would send Brazil through as group winners. Scotland, on three points after defeating Haiti, need a point to all but secure a best-third-place slot and could snatch a direct round-of-32 ticket with a victory.
- Brazil
- 4 points
- Morocco
- 4 points
- Scotland
- 3 points
- Haiti
- 0 points
Neymar's return
Neymar missed the first two matches, a 1-1 draw with Morocco and a 3-0 win over Haiti, because of a calf problem. He resumed full training last week and participated in his first tactical session under Ancelotti on Monday. The coach told reporters the 34-year-old is in condition and ready. "He can play a half or 90 minutes, he is in form," Ancelotti said. French sports daily L'Équipe reports the former Paris Saint-Germain forward is likely to get around 20 minutes off the bench, with the staff unwilling to rush his recovery.
He has trained very well. He is available and ready to play. We are very happy he is back with us; he is a player of great quality.
Dressing-room mood
Brazil teammates welcomed Neymar's presence. Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli described him as a reference point for the squad. "He is smiling in training and puts a lot of intensity into it. His technical quality is unquestionable," Martinelli said. Midfielder Lucas Paqueta added that everyone was delighted to have him back, calling Neymar an important figure with a beautiful history in the national team.
He still performs at a very high level and I can tell you he brings a lot of intensity in training.
Weather factor
The evening kick-off in South Florida is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures around 90F (32C). There is a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Under the tournament's thunderstorm protocol, any lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium triggers a mandatory 30-minute suspension that resets with each new strike – a scenario that caused a four-hour delay in a Club World Cup match in Charlotte last summer.
I am very satisfied with him. He worked this week and can be available for the match.
