“We Must Navigate Brazil” — Clarke Warns Scotland of Tricky Front-Foot Test
Clarke’s First World Cup Memory was Brazil 1970 - now he faces them in Miami. Robertson flags Neymar, Vinicius Jr threat as Scotland chase first World Cup knockouts.
Steve Clarke desperate for Azteca return but Scotland remain focused on Brazil clash...
Scotland boss Steve Clarke can’t wait for the chance to go back to Mexico City’s legendary Azteca Stadium - he scored there as a young player. Right now though, his full focus is on Wednesday’s must-win World Cup group game against Brazil.
Scotland haven’t made it out of the group stage at a World Cup in their history. That 64-year wait could finally end when they face the 5-time champions in Miami.
Scotland sit 3rd in Group C on 3 points, with Brazil and Morocco level on 4 points above them. But even finishing 3rd could send them to Mexico for a last-16 tie against the co-hosts.
“Scottish teams have never managed to get beyond the group stage. So if we could be the first team to do that, then that would obviously be very special,” Clarke told reporters on Tuesday.
“I'd love to go back to the Azteca Stadium because I've played there in the Under-19 World Cup way back - many, many years ago when I was a young, fit and healthy footballer.
“I managed to score a goal in the Azteca Stadium. Scotland beat Mexico 1-0, so if it does happen, we'll have a repeat!”
But first, Clarke said Scotland have a tough test against Brazil - a team built to attack and always take the game to their opponents.
“They've shown in the matches so far in this tournament that they can be a big threat,” he said.
“I'm sure they expect to be at least in the last four of the competition.”
Neymar could be back in Brazil’s lineup
Scotland might also have to face Neymar. The forward missed the first two games through injury, but he’s in contention to return against them.
“Obviously, without question, he's one of the superstars of the modern era,” Clarke said.
"I think coming from the bench, he can certainly give the team a lift because the crowd will get a lift when he comes on, he's such an iconic figure.”
"They have so much quality to choose from, even if you see the players that aren't in the Brazil squad that have been left at home,” Robertson said.
“We just have to prepare to try and play the best we can because we know they have quality in every single position. We know that if they have to make substitutions, they have quality coming on the pitch.”
Scotland captain Andy Robertson warned Neymar isn’t Brazil’s only danger. He also flagged Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick as forwards Scotland need to keep close tabs on.
📍 Miami Stadium, FL#SCOBRA | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kya0oZJByS
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 23, 2026
“You grow up with that love of Brazil. But tomorrow night we have to not love Brazil and love Scotland more,” he said.
Clarke said his earliest World Cup memories are of Brazil’s 1970 title-winning side, so he knows exactly how big it is to face them.
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