Scotland one result from history as Brazil await in Miami

Win or draw, and history is yours

Scotland 90 minutes from the knockout stage. Beat Brazil or draw with them in Miami on Wednesday, and your team reaches the World Cup last 16 for the first time ever (1). Three points from the Haiti win sit in the bank. Morocco beat you narrowly, but that door is still wide open. A result against Brazil, and the maths takes care of itself (4).

Ancelotti is talking about you

Carlo Ancelotti is not taking Scotland lightly. "It will be a difficult game. Scotland have quality, they are fighters, they are well-organised," the Brazil coach said. He namechecked Scott McTominay and John McGinn as "experienced players" who demand respect (7). Then came the Neymar line: "I can walk for 90 minutes" (6). He said it with a smile, but Neymar is fit and expected to play (7).

Brazil are not scaring anyone right now

The Brazilian press is restless. Reports from the Guardian describe "not much faith" in the team ahead of this match, with fans debating whether Casemiro and Endrick should even start (3). Brazil have been unconvincing in the group. Scotland face a big name, not a juggernaut.

The Tartan Army owns this tournament

Andy Robertson and the squad have watched the fans march through Boston and Miami (5). The players are seeing it. ESPN described Scotland supporters bringing "so much joy" to host cities. A historic party is brewing, and the team knows it (5).

Fan reactions

Scotland fans are riding the wave. The mood online is part belief, part gallows humour, with one thread noting that England have now drawn their second group game at four straight tournaments, including that 0–0 against Scotland at Euro 2020. The implication is clear: Scotland might just be the ones making knockout-round history this time. Read more on r/soccer