Robertson: Scotland should relish, not fear crucial Brazil clash

Andy Robertson insisted that Scotland should be excited about their World Cup clash with Brazil, despite describing the five-time winners as “one of the best teams in the world”. 

Scotland face Brazil at Miami Stadium on Wednesday in their final Group C clash, with a point likely to be enough to secure their spot in the knockout stages of the competition.

It would mark the first time that Scotland have gone beyond the group stages of a major tournament, though they come up against a side they have struggled against recently. 

Brazil are the team Scotland have faced most in international football without ever winning (P10 D2 L8), with this their fifth meeting at the World Cup. 

This will be Scotland’s ninth competitive fixture against a South American team at the World Cup, failing to win any of their prior eight matches (D2 L6) while conceding 2.5 goals per game on average.

And Robertson acknowledged that Scotland face a tough test against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but he believes his team-mates have what it takes to re-write history. 

“It’s not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinicius Junior, Endrick or Martinelli,” Robertson told reporters. 

“I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality. Even when you look at the players they’ve left at home.

“It’s up to [manager Carlo] Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare the best we can, but they have quality in every position – as well as the players coming on.

“That’s what we’re up against, one of the best teams in the world.

“We have to be as ready as we can be. We must come up with a game plan and put it in place to the best of our ability.

“They’re blessed with so much talent, but we have to try and do the best for Scotland. It’s something to be excited about, not to fear.”

Ready for

#SCOBRA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/y3vigeyTId

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 23, 2026

After drawing with Morocco in their opening group game, Brazil swept aside Haiti 3-0 last time out, with Matheus Cunha scoring either side of Vinicius Junior’s fine finish. 

Vinicius has been involved in six goals in his last five games for Brazil in all competitions (three goals, three assists), scoring in both group stage games so far.

Only four players (across three editions) have scored in three of Brazil’s first round group games at the World Cup, with the Selecao going on to win the trophy each time – Jairzinho in 1970, Romario in 1994 and Ronaldo & Rivaldo in 2002.

There is also an expectation that Neymar, who missed Brazil’s first two matches through injury, could make his return to the team against Steve Clarke’s side. 

Neymar’s first brace for Brazil came against Scotland, in a March 2011 friendly — he scored both goals in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium in London.

“Obviously, his [Neymar] qualities are without question,” said Clarke. “He’s one of the superstars of the modern era. He always has injury issues coming into the tournament.

“I’m sure Carlo Ancelotti will use him wisely, whether that’s from the bench or from the start.

“And we can expect a very dangerous opponent, but I could go on about saying there’s always so many dangerous opponents and Neymar is just another dangerous opponent.

“I think coming from the bench, he can certainly give the team a lift because the crowd will give him a lift when he comes, because he’s such an iconic figure.”