Soccer
Scotland need to be brave and channel the spirit of World Cup 1998
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Scotland go into tonight's final Group C match with the fate of their World Cup journey in their hands.
A win would secure something no Scottish team has ever done at a major tournament and that's progress from the group stage and into the knockout rounds.
However, standing in their way are the five-time winners and Carlo Ancelotti-led boys from Brazil, who are eyeing top spot in the group with victory over Steve Clarke's men.
The game brings back memories of Scotland's last World Cup appearance nearly 40 years ago at France '98, where they opened the tournament against the then-reigning world champions, Brazil.
On that day, they faced a far superior side in yellow and blue than they'll come up against Miami, one that featured Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Bebeto. A team who made a mockery of airports and were favourites to retain their crown.
Yet, the opener in Paris was a much closer affair than many had predicted, especially when Cesar Sampiro opened the scoring just five minutes into the game.
Scotland didn't panic and got themselves back into the game through a John Collins penalty and then proceeded to frustrate Brazil and keep their array of world-class attacking talent at bay...until fifteen minutes from time.
But again, it wasn't a moment of magic from the South Americans that won it, but an unfortunate own goal from Tommy Boyd and Craig Brown's team finished the game without something to show for their efforts.
Scotland face Brazil at France 98
The unfortunate winner downed the brave Scots
Now, back against the same opponents, Scotland need a similar style performance, against a far lesser Brazil team and a man who could have experienced the heroics of 98 if it weren't for injury, Gary McAllister, believes his national team can pull off a display to match.
"I think Steve and the players have been working on keeping a clean sheet," he exclusively told DAZN News thanks to BetSelect.
"But [for the Brazil game] I think there'll be a lot of work done on the positioning of our back line and the midfield line.
"So, allowing people the license to go and try to score a goal. He will be looking for a clean sheet, but we need to get a little bit of possession.
"I think Steve will be planning to go and counter-attack. In Morocco v Brazil, Morocco looked like the better side to me. But you can never discount Brazil, who have an amazing record in this competition and good, good players."
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