Jack Hendry said Scotland can handle Brazil and still reach the last-32 with a point on Wednesday, after he and Steven Naismith spoke at a Scotland media conference before the Group C finale. Hendry Scotland now has a simple target: avoid defeat at 23:00 BST and the route onward is secured.
Hendry said the dressing room has enough experience for the test ahead. “Lewis goes about his business, he's not outlandish and just goes about his business.” He added: “He has a wealth of experience and is a real leader in our team.”
Jack Hendry on Brazil
The Scotland defender said the main task is concentration from the first minute to the last. “You need to be concentrated throughout when playing these players, one switch off and they can punish you.” He also cut through any concern about the name in front of Scotland. “Aye, no problem. I've played him before.”
That was a direct reference to Neymar, and Hendry said Scotland want to make the contest uncomfortable for Brazil. “It's going to be a great spectacle, the history Brazil have in this competition, we want to disrupt that.”
Scott McTominay and the clip
The conference also put the Morocco water-break clip back in view. Hendry and Scott McTominay were caught on camera seeming to have words, but Hendry said the frame did not tell the full story. “It can come across differently on camera, it's a high-emotion game, Scott didn't let rip.”
That matters because the exchange now sits alongside Scotland's actual task: a point against Brazil. The clip may have looked hotter than it was, but the football problem is straightforward. Scotland do not need a flourish; they need enough control to leave Wednesday with what they require.
Steven Naismith and the route
Hendry also said the run of minutes he has received has helped him settle into the level. “I'm enjoying playing at this level, I think it suits my game and I've been pleased with my minutes.” For Scotland, that is the practical edge going into the final Group C match: a defender who feels comfortable in the role, and a squad that can finish the job with a point.
Wednesday at 23:00 BST now carries a clear outcome for Scotland. Avoid defeat against Brazil and the last-32 place is theirs; anything less leaves the margin tighter than they want after a campaign that has already gone far enough to make this final step decisive.
