Neymar returns and Scotland stand on the edge of history
Neymar is back for Brazil, and Clarke knows the threat
Scotland face Brazil in Miami on Wednesday in a match that can send your team into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. But there is one name dominating the pre-match talk: Neymar is set to return for Brazil.
Steve Clarke did not sugarcoat it. "His qualities are without question," Clarke said (2). The Brazil icon missed the group opener but is expected to feature, adding another layer of danger to an attack that already includes Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, and Matheus Cunha.
Robertson: relish this, don't fear it
Andy Robertson is not backing down. The Scotland captain ran through the Brazil squad list and did not flinch: "It's not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinicius Junior, Endrick or Martinelli. I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality" (3).
Carlo Ancelotti's side have "great respect" for Scotland, according to Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá. Robertson wants the occasion embraced, not feared (3).
Clarke wants the best night of his captain's life
The Scotland manager made it personal. Clarke said he wants this to be the best night of Robertson's life (5). The left-back has carried this team through qualification and now stands on the edge of history.
Injury concerns linger before kickoff
Aaron Hickey, Scott McKenna, and Lewis Ferguson all missed group training ahead of the Brazil match. Clarke faces what former Scotland boss Craig Levein called a tactical "dilemma", with questions also circling around Scott McTominay's understated impact so far.
No final team news yet, but the absentees are worrying.
Weather delays? Scotland have a plan
Miami in June means storms, and Scotland are ready. Clarke confirmed the squad has a coping strategy in place if weather disrupts the match (6). No panicking if the skies open up.
Martinelli's soft spot for Tierney
Gabriel Martinelli shared an Arsenal dressing room with Kieran Tierney, and the bond is real. "Tierney is my guy," Martinelli said ahead of the match (7). The two could face each other directly on Wednesday.
Why McGinn is so loved
Rachel Corsie, Scotland women's captain, put John McGinn's value into words. The Aston Villa midfielder is a talisman for this side, the player who lifts everyone around him (1). His energy will be essential against Brazil's midfield.
Kenny Miller takes over at Maccabi Tel Aviv
Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller has been named Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach on a permanent basis, with Stuart Taylor joining as his assistant (8). Miller scored 18 goals in 69 caps for Scotland.
Fan-reaktioner
The Tartan Army thread is buzzing with a mix of excitement and nerves over Neymar's return. Most fans are leaning into Robertson's message: this is a night to relish, not fear. One supporter summed it up, calling this the biggest Scotland match in a generation.
Sources
- 1. bbc.co.uk — Why John McGinn is so loved
- 2. theguardian.com — Steve Clarke warns Scotland of threat posed by returning Brazil ‘icon’ Neymar
- 3. soccernews.com — Robertson: Scotland should relish, not fear crucial Brazil clash
- 5. bbc.co.uk — Clarke wants best night of life for captain Robertson
- 6. bbc.co.uk — Scotland have coping strategy for weather delays
- 7. bbc.co.uk — 'Tierney is my guy' says Brazil's Martinelli
- 8. bbc.co.uk — Former Scotland striker Miller named Maccabi Tel Aviv boss