Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

FootballSports
25 Jun 2026 • 6:06 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

Scotland will aim to pull off perhaps the biggest result in their history as they bid to shock World Cup icons Brazil and qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for the very first time.

It’s already been a memorable tournament off the pitch for the Tartan Army. And on it, despite defeat to Morocco last time out, Scotland’s opening victory against Haiti ensures their Group C fate is still in their hands.

Scotland have never beaten Brazil, but a first victory would take Steve Clarke’s side through to the last-32. A draw would also likely do it, while a narrow defeat, perhaps by one goal, may also be good enough for progress.

A Scotland defeat, however, would leave the Tartan Army with a nervy wait to see they will go through as one of the eight-best third-ranked teams, a quirk of the new 48-team format that has already brought some controversy.

Follow all the latest from Miami as Scotland face Brazil

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Scotland v Brazil LIVE: Latest World Cup updates

  • Scotland face Brazil with World Cup history on the line | Kick-off 11pm BST live on BBC
  • Scotland can qualify for knockouts for first time with win or draw in Miami
  • But defeat to five-time World Cup winners would leave hopes in balance
  • Team news: Gannon-Doak returns for Scotland; Neymar on bench for Brazil
  • Scotland XI: Gunn; Patterson, McKenna, Hendry, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McLean, Ferguson, McGinn; McTominay, Shankland.
  • Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vini Jr.

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

23:08 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Brazil are just keeping possession and probing at the moment, until Casemiro unleashes a drive from distance that is blocked.

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

23:06 , Chris Wilson

5 mins

Bruno Guimaraes fires in an early cross behind the Scotland defence, but there’s nobody there to pounce.

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

23:06 , Chris Wilson

4 mins

Lovely footwork from Hendry in his own area to escape pressure, and the Scotland fans are bringing out the ‘ole’ as their side enjoy a spell of sustained possession.

 (Reuters)

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

23:03 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

Vini Jr get his first run at Patterson but the Scotland full-back escapes unscathed from the first duel.

There’s a strange refereeing moment early on as Ferguson is fouled and then the ref seems to indicate for Scotland to play on but eventuallygives the free-kick.

KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Brazil

23:01 , Chris Wilson

Referee César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos gets us underway in Miami!

Scotland v Brazil LIVE

22:58 , Chris Wilson

The anthems are done, the handshakes are done. We’ll be underway in a matter of moments in Miami...

Scotland v Brazil LIVE

22:56 , Chris Wilson

Both sets out players are out on the pitch in Miami, and we’l have the anthems soon.

John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson are all making their ninth starts at a major tournament for Scotland, which means they are tying the record previously set by the likes of Gordon Durie, Jim Leighton and Stuart McCall.

It would be nice if there were one more game to come this summer to beat that record...

 (PA)

Scotland v Brazil faces potential lightning strikes

22:54 , Jack Rathborn

The forecast suggests a possibility of lightning in the area, which could mean a delay, much like France vs Iraq.

Any suspension would mean a minimum 30-minute delay until the game is resumed, or 30 minutes from the last lightning strike.

Should Scotland v Brazil be delayed, though, Morocco v Haiti will not be impacted:

As per the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Article 12.4 states: “The final round of group matches are scheduled to take place with simultaneous kick-off times.

“However, should there be severe weather at any venue, then the safety and security of all participants and spectators will be prioritised. To confirm, weather delays at a particular venue will not impact matches taking place at another venue.”

Scotland v Brazil LIVE

22:53 , Chris Wilson

A reminder that Scotland could still qualify with a loss this evening, though they’d face a nervous wait to see if they go through as one of the best third-placed sides.

A win is sure to take them through, and a draw is 99& likely to as well.

Plenty to play for then as the two sets of players come out of the tunnel at the Miami Stadium...

 (Reuters)

Scotland v Brazil LIVE

22:50 , Chris Wilson

Just 10 minutes until kick-off in what is a huge game for Scotland. Could it be their biggest ever in some respects?

Steve Clarke has gone for the exciting team selection and it could be a famous night for Scotland as they look to secure a place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.

Scotland v Brazil LIVE

22:48 , Chris Wilson

 (Reuters) (PA) (PA)

'The players know that I believe in them'

22:44 , Chris Wilson

“I've got to make the choices, sometimes you start a little bit more conservative, sometimes you start a little bit more positive,” says Scotland manager Steve Clarke to BBC One ahead of kick-off.

“I've said to the boys that are on the bench, I'm sure five of them will have a massive outcome on the result.

“The players know that I believe in them, I've spoken about it often enough. They've been fantastic for me, they've been fantastic for their country,” he explained.

“Tonight's a chance to make a little bit of history, why not start on the front foot and see what we can do.

“Playing Brazil at a World Cup, it doesn't come any bigger, it doesn't come any better. We've prepared, hopefully you see that on the pitch,” added the Scotland boss.

 (Reuters)

Gilmour: 'The boys look up for it'

22:40 , Chris Wilson

“I've been in the changing room - boys look really up for it,” says injured Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour to BBC Sport.

“For me, it's just to keep the spirits high, get around the boys and being as good a team-mate as I can.

“We know how much of an important match it is. We've had two great games and we have to go out there with confidence, be aggressive and give the fans a good night.

“We've got a great starting line-up tonight and strong players on the bench also. Whoever comes on can make that difference,” added the Napoli midfielder.

Scotland face tough conditions in Miami against Brazil with World Cup fate in balance

22:36 , Jack Rathborn

Our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney is at the Miami Stadium for Scotland v Brazil with an update as kick-off approaches...

It had been very muggy here in Miami, which tempered the atmosphere a bit, but it is naturally building again as kick-off gets closer. The Scottish fans were already singing "Flower of Scotland" as they walked in. There is now a wind swirling around the stadium and it feels like it is about to absolutely pour down.

This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama

22:32 , Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer

Over the next few days, the concept of head-to-head is going to be easy to grasp, but its use will still be difficult to actually get your head around.

Fifa have needlessly, and very suddenly, taken away some of the excitement of their own expanded World Cup.

Consider Thursday alone, which might have been one of the most wondrous days of the tournament.

There could have been six matches with almost everything on the line, all of them invigorated by the intensity of emotion that comes with just trying to get out of a group.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama

Weather threatens to disrupt Scotland match

22:28 , Chris Wilson

An update from Fifa says that they are “closely monitoring thunderstorm activity near the stadium”, with chances that the weather interrupts a portion of the game this evening.

We’ll bring you any more updates once we get them.

 (Reuters)

World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge as England stall in round two

22:23 , Will Castle

The 2026 World Cup is fully into the swing of things with all teams now having played their opening two matches of the campaign in North America.

After a build-up that centred on controversy, greed and conflict, fans have been captivated by some enthralling performances and disappointed by others, with the likes of France and holders Argentina stamping their marks as rightful favourites, while England, Portugal and Brazil have all made slight missteps.

So much can change as the group stage progresses, but here’s how every team stacks up in The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings, delving deeper into the top 10:

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge after round two

The magic number for goal difference

22:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Based on the examples of previous tournaments at the Euros, the ranking of third-place teams will be determined by goal difference.

In 2016, Turkey and Albania were eliminated because they finished their group with a goal difference of -2. Meanwhile, Portugal and Northern Ireland advanced on three points and an even goal difference.

At Euro 2020, Finland also went out with a goal difference of -2, with Ukraine progressing on three points and a goal difference of -1.

And in 2024, Hungary’s goal difference of -3 was not good enough to advance, despite them beating Scotland in their final game.

The magic number for progress is therefore likely to be three points, plus a goal difference of at least -1 - the higher, the better, obviously.

In theory, this would involve winning one match, and then limiting the margin of defeat in the other two matches to one goal.

It would be an extremely risky strategy, however, and would leave a team right on the cusp of elimination, relying on other results.

Could Scotland lose to Brazil and still get through?

22:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Now we’re talking.

The good news for Scotland is they only lost 1-0 to Morocco. If they repeat the trick against Brazil and only lose by a one-goal margin, they will finish the group stage on three points and with a goal difference of -1. Based on previous editions of the European Championships (as detailed below) that could be good enough to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams. But they would be right on the fence.

Needless to say, a heavy defeat to Brazil, acting as a sledgehammer to the goal difference, would mean Scotland’s hopes of going through would be as slim as the chance of a quiet half in Boston.

 (PA)

Would a draw against Brazil be enough for Scotland to qualify?

22:09 , Chris Wilson

Not officially, but it would almost certainly be enough - the scenario Scotland faced before kicking off against Morocco is unchanged when it comes to getting to four points.

This World Cup will see the top two teams in the 12 groups guaranteed qualification to the knockout stages, which starts with a last 32 round. But there are also eight spots for third-placed teams, with the highest points and then goal difference deciding which four teams in third will miss out.

While three points and a positive goal difference is likely to be enough, four points is extremely likely to be enough, but Scotland would need to wait until later in the tournament to be confirmed; with several teams putting together a run of draws, there could be a number of teams in third with four points.

Fans arrive at Miami Stadium

22:05 , Chris Wilson

Plenty of fans are getting in place early too!

 (PA) (Getty)

When do Scotland play Brazil? What do they need to reach World Cup knockouts?

22:02 , Chris Wilson

Scotland’s hopes of advancing at the World Cup are hanging in the balance - as they now prepare for their final group game against Brazil in Miami.

The Tartan Army’s worst fears from the opening 1-0 win against Haiti were realised almost as soon as Scotland kicked off against Morocco. Scotland knew they couldn’t afford another disjointed performance, but were nevertheless stunned by Ismael Saibari’s thumping finish after just 70 seconds.

Steve Clarke’s side now face the daunting task of playing five-time winners Brazil and the talents of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha and needing a draw, - or, at the least, needing to avoid a heavy defeat - to advance to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.

The Tartan Army have thoroughly enjoyed their stay in Boston but they will now head to Miami for a rematch of the 1998 World Cup opener, with Scotland kicking off against Brazil at 11pm UK time (BST) on Wednesday 24 June. That will be shown on BBC One.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

When do Scotland play Brazil? What do they need to reach World Cup knockouts?

Scotland fans bring World Cup party to Miami as thousands march to local baseball match

21:58 , Chris Wilson

Thousands of Scottish football fans, the Tartan Army, paraded through Miami on Monday in a distinctive homage to the local Marlins baseball team.

Starting in Little Havana, supporters donned kilts, Scotland jerseys, and cone hats, chanting about 'super' John McGinn and Steve Clarke.

Their march from the Ball & Chain bar to LoanDepot Park was met with enthusiasm by Miami locals.

With the arid Miami weather, some Scots opted for the signature “taps aff” look, with the scent of an abundance of sun cream and lager in the air.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

Scotland fans bring World Cup party to Miami as thousands march to baseball match

Scotland players arrive in Miami

21:54 , Chris Wilson

Scotland players have arrived at the Miami Stadium as preparations begin for perhaps the biggest game of their careers...

 (PA) (Reuters)

Team news

21:50 , Chris Wilson

The big news for Brazil is that Neymar is fit enough to make the bench, though Raphinha is out of the Selecao squad after being forced off due to injury against Haiti.

Bournemouth winger Rayan comes in for the Barcelona man in the only change to the Brazil starting XI.

Team news

21:47 , Chris Wilson

It’s quite a bold selection on paper from Steve Clarke, with four changes to the side that narrowly lost to Morocco.

Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Che Adams drop out, with Scott McKenna coming in in defence and Kenny McLean entering in central midfield.

Lawrence Shankland replaces Adams up front, with winger Ben Gannon-Doak coming in for Ryan Christie as Scotland switch to what is presumably a 4-2-3-1.

Line-ups

21:44 , Chris Wilson

Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vini Jr.

Subs: Ibanez, Sandro, Martinelli, Endrick, Thiago, Pereira, Weverton, Henrique, Ederson, Bremer, Fabinho, Neymar, Silva, Santos.

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 24, 2026

Line-ups

21:40 , Chris Wilson

Scotland XI: Gunn; Patterson, McKenna, Hendry, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McLean, Ferguson, McGinn; McTominay, Shankland.

Subs: Adams, Christie, Curtis, Dykes, Fletcher, Gordon, Hanley, Hickey, Hirst, Souttar, Hyam, Kelly, Ralston, Stewart, Tierney.

Scotland team news

21:28 , Chris Wilson

We’re expecting news of the Scotland team news any time between now and the next 15 minutes.

It’ll be interesting to see how brave Steve Clarke goes as his Scotland side chase history.

How are the top eight third place finishers determined?

21:23 , Jamie Braidwood

The top eight third place finishers will be decided on which teams have accumulated the most points.

Should eight or more nations finish third with the same number of points, the nations who progress will then be determined by goal difference.

In all likelihood, teams that finish third with four points or higher will go through, the teams on three points will need the best possible goal difference to progress.

 (Reuters)

Scotland train ahead of Brazil clash

21:17 , Chris Wilson

 (Reuters) (Reuters) (Reuters)

Scotland team news

21:12 , Chris Wilson

And here’s a reminder of the early Scotland team news too. We can expect line-ups around 9.30-9.45pm BST.

Scotland are sweating on the availability of Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson, who all missed training at the weekend, while a question mark remains over the selection of Ben Gannon-Doak, who was brought on as a substitute against Morocco, to widespread surprise that he wasn’t a starter.

Does Steve Clarke give Gannon-Doak a start today to try and get some threat into his side?

Scotland v Brazil kick-off time and how to watch

21:07 , Chris Wilson

Under two hours until kick-off now, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s game.

Scotland face Brazil at the Miami Stadium on Wednesday 24 June, with kick-off at 11pm BST. Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage beginning at 10pm BST.

The route to the final Scotland could take at World Cup 2026

21:02 , Chris Wilson

Scotland can secure knockout football at the World Cup when they play Brazil in game 3 of Group C.

The Scots earned their spot at the tournament finals in the most dramatic fashion when they scored two stoppage-time stunners to pip Denmark to top spot in their final qualifier.

With victory over Haiti, The Tartan Army watched their nation win a game at a major tournament for the first time in three decades, having experienced only losses and draws at the past two Euros.

And while such an outcome might satisfy the travelling fans, Scotland’s participation at the World Cup means they have a theoretical route to the biggest match in the four-year football calendar, should Steve Clarke’s side blow all expectations out of the water.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

The route to the final Scotland could take at World Cup 2026

How the magic of the Tartan Army gave Scotland a World Cup moment to cherish forever

20:52 , Jack Rathborn

Scotland face a nervy conclusion to their World Cup group stage on the pitch but, as Jack Rathborn discovered in Boston, the Tartan Army are already winners with a precious legacy secure...

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

How the magic of the Tartan Army gave Scotland a World Cup moment to cherish forever

Who has qualified for the knockout stages and which teams have been eliminated from the World Cup?

20:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

The group stage of World Cup 2026 is nearing a conclusion and the battle is on for a place in knockout stages.

For the first time in the World Cup’s history, 48 nations are competing in the tournament. They were divided into 12 groups of four, with co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada all given top-seed status in the draw.

The 12 group winners and 12 runners-up will automatically go through to the round of 32, and they will be joined by the eight best third-placed finishers, based on points and goal difference at the end of the group stage.

Seven teams have booked their place in the knockout rounds after winning both of their opening matches. Five teams have so far been eliminated from the competition after losing both of their fixtures.

In total, 16 nations will go home after the group stage.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

Who has qualified for World Cup’s last-32 and who has been eliminated?

World Cup fixtures

20:24 , Chris Wilson

Today’s games see the conclusion to Group B as well as that of Group C.

While Brazil Scotland and Morocco should learn their World Cup fates this evening, co-hosts Canada will also learn theirs alongside the likes of Bosnia and Switzerland.

Those Group B fixtures are already underway, so here’s a full list of this evening’s fixtures:

  • Group B: Switzerland vs Canada, kick-off 8pm - Vancouver, Canada
  • Group B: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar, kick-off 8pm - Seattle, USA
  • Group C: Morocco vs Haiti, kick-off 11pm - Atlanta, USA
  • Group C: Scotland vs Brazil, kick-off 11pm - Miami, USA
 (PA)

Scotland fans channel the spirit of the World Cup to leave Boston charmed

20:09 , Chris Wilson

A win and a loss from their opening two games of the World Cup leaves the Scots with a chance of qualification, and they could yet make a triumphant return to the city in the last 32

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

Scotland fans channel the spirit of the World Cup to leave Boston charmed

What do Scotland and Brazil need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group C?

19:56 , Jamie Braidwood

If Scotland lose, their World Cup fate will be in the balance. The good news for Scotland is they only lost 1-0 to Morocco. If they repeat the trick against Brazil and only lose by a one-goal margin, they will finish the group stage on three points and with a goal difference of -1. Based on previous editions of the European Championships that could be good enough to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams. But they would be right on the fence.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

What do Scotland and Brazil need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group C?

Scotland v Brazil early team news: Gannon-Doak to return?

19:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Scotland are sweating on the availability of Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson, who all missed training at the weekend, while a question mark remains over the selection of Ben Gannon-Doak, who was brought on as a substitute against Morocco, to widespread surprise that he wasn’t a starter. Does Steve Clarke give Gannon-Doak a start today to try and get some threat into his side?

Brazil will be without Raphinha, who picked up a hamstring injury against Haiti, while Neymar is fit to feature after injury but may only make the bench.

The unexpected winners of the World Cup? Americans

19:26 , Holly Baxter

In Boston, Massachusetts, where 50,000 bagpipe-playing Scotland supporters descended and promptly drank up all the beer, the locals were charmed. Senator Ed Markey — a usually mild-mannered 79-year-old — tweeted “No Scotland, no party” with a video of himself with his arms around Scotland supporters in pubs and bars in the city. Even the Iraq fans found themselves dancing in the streets alongside their Scottish brethren.

State Sen. Paul Feeney published an emotional Instagram reel as the Scots left for New York, recalling the antics of the Tartan army — including leaving traffic cones on the heads of every statue — with misty-eyed nostalgia. The Boston Red Sox president even wrote a letter thanking the Tartan Army for its presence and energy to the Scotland Football Association, after Scottish fans turned up to cheer for them at Fenway Park. And Friday’s edition of The Boston Globe featured a full-page spread thanking the Tartan Army for “the laughter, the bagpipes, and the memories”.

At the end of it all, Mayor Michelle Wu, dressed in a pink Scotland jersey, announced an official partnership with Glasgow for years to come. Scottish supporters gathered behind her chanted, “No Wu, no party!” as she did so.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

The unexpected winners of the World Cup? Americans

‘It’s been wild’: The unexpected story behind the (unofficial) Scotland World Cup song

19:13 , Jamie Braidwood

A deadpan electro-ballad name-checking Scott McTominay has become the best World Cup song of the summer. Its creator, JJ Bull, talks to Patrick Smith about how it ‘just downloaded’ into his head

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

‘It’s been wild’: The unexpected story behind the unofficial Scotland World Cup song

Scotland v Brazil kick-off time and how to watch

19:00 , Chris Wilson

Scotland face Brazil at the Miami Stadium on Wednesday 24 June, with kick-off at 11pm BST. Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage beginning at 10pm BST.

Steve Clarke on whether Scotland will adapt when they face Brazil

18:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Steve Clarke: “I've got the Scottish media here and they kill me for being too conservative. I think we've shown in my time in charge, whether some people agree or not, that we can be very flexible with our system. For the game tomorrow, we'll have to wait and see because I don't want to tell Carlo Ancelotti what we'll do."

 (Getty)

Andy Robertson hoping to give Scotland fans another reason to party in Miami

18:34 , Jamie Braidwood

The Tartan Army have enjoyed themselves in the USA and they would no doubt raise a glass or two should Scotland beat Brazil tonight to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages.

"Our fans are the best in the world. Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them," captain Andy Robertson said. "I think you've ‌seen how much the whole city of Boston fell in love with the Tartan Army, and I think they're gutted now that they've left.

"I think the whole of the Tartan Army want that, and that would ‌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'll be back closer.

“Come tomorrow night, if we manage to beat Brazil, like I'm using your words now, if we manage to beat Brazil, then I'm sure maybe a couple of beers will be drank 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 to ⁠be happy about and, obviously, also if we win the game ⁠then we've created history.”

 (Getty)

Steve Clarke expects Brazil to bring their attacking DNA

18:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Steve Clarke on Brazil: "I think the characteristics of Brazil as a national team is they have to attack. These are the characteristics that people expect from a Brazil team. I think they've shown in the matches so far in this tournament that they can be a big threat, and I'm sure they expect to be minimum last four in the competition."

On how Scotland can offer threat: "Pick the right team, get the right tactics, and rely on the players to do that on the pitch. We know what we have to do - don't over-commit going forward, don't leave yourself open to a counter-attack. And when we have the ball, use the it really well and create chances."

 (Getty)

Has Fifa's new World Cup format made the group stage less exciting?

18:00 , Jamie Braidwood

This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama

17:48 , Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer

The final round of group stage games will lack the drama of 2022, with a strange decision to revamp the tie-breaking rules likely to produce a number of dead rubbers

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama

Carlo Ancelotti expecting a tough game against Scotland

17:26 , Jamie Braidwood

Carlo Ancelotti: “Scotland has quality. They are fighters, they are very well organised (Scott) McTominay and (John) McGinn are experienced players who are used to this kind of game. So it will be a difficult game, as usual. I ‌think easy games in the World Cup finished a long time ago. So we are ready ​to play a difficult match."

 (Getty)

Neymar back for Brazil, but how much of the game can he play?

17:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Neymar is available for Brazil's third World Cup group match against Scotland but coach Carlo Ancelotti declined to say if he would play a role in the Miami Stadium clash.

The 34-year-old forward was recalled the World Cup after almost three years away from the national team but has yet to play at the tournament because of a calf injury.

"Neymar is available," Ancelotti told reporters. "He worked this week and can be available for the match. We are very happy that he is back because, obviously, with his quality, he can help the team.

"I've really got to know him well. He has worked very seriously, trying to recover as quickly as possible. I'm very happy with him. Even if he doesn't play, he brings experience, he brings knowledge of the game, he helps the younger players. He is doing very ⁠well."

Asked how much of the match Neymar could play, Ancelotti joked: "He can play 90 minutes -- walking. No, he's fine, he worked very well, he trained very well."

 (Reuters)

What's your prediction for Scotland v Brazil?

16:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Last time out: Brazil beat Haiti, but lose star man to injury

16:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Matheus Cunha scored a brace to lead Brazil to a win over Haiti, but an injury to Raphinha could see the Manchester United man return to the wing sooner than he’d hoped.

Chris Wilson was in Philadelphia.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

Cunha offers Brazil a striker solution, but injury may open up youngster’s path

Last time out: Scotland lose to Morocco but keep fate in their hands

16:08 , Jamie Braidwood

After Scotland’s joy and optimism from a party that spilt onto the streets of Bostok, Morocco delivered a sobering reality check in just 70 seconds to leave World Cup history still agonisingly out of reach.

Jack Rathborn was in Boston

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

Scotland face sobering reality after 70 seconds of World Cup regret

How are the top eight third place finishers determined?

15:51 , Jamie Braidwood

The top eight third place finishers will be decided on which teams have accumulated the most points.

Should eight or more nations finish third with the same number of points, the nations who progress will then be determined by goal difference.

In all likelihood, teams that finish third with four points or higher will go through, the teams on three points will need the best possible goal difference to progress.

Image from: Scotland v Brazil LIVE: World Cup latest with Lewis Ferguson clattered in lively start to nervy Group C finale

What do Scotland and Brazil need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group C?

What do Brazil need to qualify?

15:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Avoiding defeat to Scotland will see Brazil reach this year’s knockout stages, and they’ll have a good shot at topping the group if they produce a high-scoring win, adding to the goal difference they racked up against Haiti.

If they lose - which would surely be the greatest result in Scotland’s history - the Selecao should still be in a good spot to progress as one of the eight-best third-placed teams, already on four points heading into the final outing. To keep their spot in the top two in this scenario, Brazil would require Morocco to lose to Haiti which is highly unlikely.

 (Reuters)

What if Scotland lose to Brazil?

15:17 , Jamie Braidwood

If Scotland lose, their World Cup fate will be in the balance. The good news for Scotland is they only lost 1-0 to Morocco. If they repeat the trick against Brazil and only lose by a one-goal margin, they will finish the group stage on three points and with a goal difference of -1. Based on previous editions of the European Championships that could be good enough to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams. But they would be right on the fence.

What do Scotland need to qualify?

15:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Let’s get the most optimistic but clear-cut scenario out of the way first. If Scotland beat Brazil, they’re into the knockouts, possibly as group winners if Morocco fail to beat Haiti. Dream big, Tartan Army.

A draw would almost certainly be enough for Scotland to qualify, as it would take them to the elusive four-point mark. This should put them among the eight best third-placed teams, who will progress to the round of 32 along with all top-two group finishers.

While three points and a positive goal difference is likely to be enough, four points is extremely likely to be enough, but Scotland would need to wait until later in the tournament for this to be confirmed; with several teams putting together a run of draws, there could be a number of teams in third with four points.

 (Reuters)

What is the Scotland team news?

15:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Scotland are sweating on the availability of Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson, who all missed training at the weekend, while a question mark remains over the selection of Ben Gannon-Doak, who was brought on as a substitute against Morocco, to widespread surprise that he wasn’t a starter.

Does Steve Clarke give Gannon-Doak a start today to try and get some threat into his side?

 (PA)

Scotland v Brazil kick-off time and how to watch

15:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Scotland face Brazil at the Miami Stadium on Wednesday 24 June, with kick-off at 11pm BST. Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage beginning at 10pm BST.

Good evening and welcome

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s a big one. Scotland face Brazil, the five-time winners and one of the giants of the World Cup, with a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup still within reach.

Steve Clarke’s side could do it with a win in Miami, but a draw is also likely to be good enough. A defeat, unless it is a narrow one, would leave the Tartan Army looking for their calculators and would hand Scotland a lengthy wait before the group stages conclude.

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