Scotland wary of Brazil and 'dangerous' Neymar in make-or-break FIFA World Cup 2026 clash - 'One of the superstars of the modern era'

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Steve Clarke talked up the potential impact of returning superstar Neymar ahead of Scotland’s encounter with five-time World Cup winners Brazil, while Andy Robertson heaped praise on the Tartan Army.

Clarke ready to face 'dangerous, iconic' Neymar should Brazil attacker feature

Video credit: SNTV

Scotland line up in Miami knowing that a win or draw against Brazil would all but secure their place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever.

In fact, Scotland are in the unusual position of not necessarily needing a draw to progress, with a narrow defeat potentially enough to send them through on goal difference.

But Clarke’s men are chasing a result against Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded Selecao, with the Scotland boss wary of the threat posed by Brazil's prodigal son Neymar, who is closing in on a return from a calf injury.

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"Obviously, his qualities are without question,” Clarke said. ”He's one of the superstars of the modern era.

”He's obviously had 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 Brazil, so many dangerous opponents, and Neymar is just another dangerous opponent.

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

It's been 15 years since Scotland played Brazil, and some 28 years since they played them in a World Cup, a 2-1 defeat to a side boasting the great Ronaldo Nazario.

Clarke added: ”My first memories of the World Cup were probably the 1970 Brazil team, who were absolutely fantastic, and great to see for a young boy growing up.

Steve Clarke

Image credit: Getty Images

”And you grow up with that love of Brazil, but tomorrow night we have to not love Brazil - and love Scotland more."

Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, meanwhile, wants to make history with Scotland.

"It's one that we look forward to," said Robertson. We're playing against a massive country, one of the most iconic in the World Cup and obviously the most decorated.

”But it also gives us an opportunity to achieve our dreams as well. We want to achieve history for our little country, and we have an opportunity to do that tomorrow night."

Robertson: Tartan Army the best in the world

After days soaking up the World Cup atmosphere in Boston - and reportedly contributing to a beer shortage - Scotland’s Tartan Army have arrived in Miami.

When asked if Miami would face a beer drought should Scotland beat Brazil, Robertson smiled and said: "These are the questions I like.

"I've always said it about our fans. Our fans are the best in the world. Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them.

”You've seen how much the whole of the city of Boston fell in love with the Tartan Army. I think they're gutted now that they've left.

”Now they are coming down to Miami, and trying to make the same impact.

”They had that same impact at the baseball again last night, walking through the streets and everything, so come tomorrow night, if we manage to beat Brazil, then I'm sure a couple of beers will be drunk by the Tartan Army, that's for sure.

”But that's what we hope, because we want to give them something to shout about, we want to give them something happy about.

”And also, if we win the game, then you know we've created history, and I think the whole of the Tartan Army wants that, and that will be something to celebrate.

"But we're a long way off that sitting here just now, and hopefully, when it comes to the time tomorrow, then we're a wee bit closer."

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