Neymar is expected to play for Brazil against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday, bringing the key question of Is Neymar playing against Scotland into focus before the Group C finale. The forward is set to make his bow for Brazil in this World Cup after returning from injury.
Steve Clarke laid out Scotland’s task plainly: Brazil must be treated as a threat with Neymar in the mix, even if he starts on the bench. He said, “His qualities are without question … he’s a superstar” and added, “We can expect a very dangerous opponent but I could go on about Brazil and so many dangerous opponents. Neymar is just one of them; even coming from the bench he would give them a lift because he is such an icon.”
Steve Clarke on Neymar
Clarke’s point leaves Scotland preparing for more than one version of Brazil. Neymar can change the game from the opening whistle, but Clarke’s warning about the bench is the sharper issue for Scotland: a rested attacker against tired legs late in the match can still tilt the contest. That is why his status matters even before a lineup is announced.
Andy Robertson echoed the same reality from Scotland’s side. He said, “It’s not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinícius Júnior, Endrick or [Gabriel] Martinelli” and added, “I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality.”
Andy Robertson on Brazil
Robertson also said, “Even when you look at the players they’ve left at home. It’s up to Carlo Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare the best we can but they have quality in every position. That’s what we’re up against, one of the best teams in the world.”
Scotland enter the match knowing a point will almost certainly secure a knockout stage place, while Brazil arrive with Neymar back in the frame and Carlo Ancelotti still holding the final call on who plays. Clarke said Aaron Hickey will miss the match after Scotland’s 1-0 loss to Morocco, adding, “Aaron will hopefully get himself ready for the knockout stages” and, “Everybody else is fit and raring to go.”
Aaron Hickey and Scotland
That leaves Scotland with a full focus on the Group C finale and the problem Neymar creates whether he starts or waits on the bench. The match in Miami on Wednesday now turns on one simple choice for Brazil: launch him from the start, or hold back one of the World Cup’s biggest names and use him later against a Scotland side already planning for both.
