Football is a game of surprises. Its unpredictability is its lifeblood and the World Cup is its ultimate storytelling stage.
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Scotland have seldom been closer to the knockout rounds of a World Cup. Teams have to take their opportunities in all aspects of football but Clarke might have picked a different final opponent given the choice.
Scotland have never beaten tonight’s opponents. They’ve been drawn against Brazil in four World Cup group stages and taken a total of one point off them, 1974’s goalless draw, before losing in 1982, 1990 and 1998.
If 2026 is to be any different, Scotland must produce their performance of the tournament. Brazil are yet to show much to be feared but the shortcomings of Scotland have been evident even in victory. Clarke’s biggest conundrum is whether to start Bournemouth flyer Ben Gannon-Doak.
Two goals apiece from Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr have put Brazil top of the group after two matches. Carlo Ancelotti, installed a year ago as their head coach, has built a career out of making teams robust enough to prevent surprises.
No matter how you look at it, Scotland getting a result at Hard Rock Stadium would be a surprise.
Still, all it takes is one second. One goal. One save. One beautifully timed hydration break. Bigger shocks have happened at World Cup 2026 and Clarke is within his rights to ask why Scotland can’t take all three points.
Scotland vs Brazil: Group C
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Scotland 1-2 Brazil
FourFourTwo predicts a repeat of this fixture at France 98 and a 2-1 win for the group leaders.
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