How Scotland can shock World Cup powerhouse Brazil

Their time at the 2026 World Cup has been exactly that, from the highs of beating Haiti to the frustration in the defeat to Morocco, Scotland still manage to find themselves on the brink of history with a place in the knockout stages, but up next is Brazil this evening. 

While Scotland are one of the eight best third-placed teams, a comprehensive battering by Brazil and results elsewhere going against them could see them drop out and suffer group stage heartache once more. 

But, it has already been proven at this World Cup the smaller nations can mix it with the big guns, and Scotland will have to use this as inspiration against the five-time winners. 

Scotland midfield stars McGinn and McTominay need to deliver

For manager Steve Clarke, his midfield will be crucial if they are to trouble Brazil. 

John McGinn and Scott McTominay are the top two leading goalscorers in this Scotland squad, and while McGinn did score against Haiti, he has not done much since. 

Against Morocco, the pair were silent. McGinn struggled to produce a successful pass while McTominay spent more time on the floor than on his feet.

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Brazil's midfield is both technically gifted and strong, so McGinn and McTominay will need to be at the top of their game. 

The pair do have the ability to create chances, and have delivered often in the biggest matches for Scotland, and if Clarke's side are to get something from this match, then McGinn and McTominay will be at the heart of it. 

Shankland needs to start at striker

If there is one area where Scotland lacks the cutting edge, it's at striker where those who occupy that position fail to make an impression. 

However, amongst the ranks is Lawrence Shankland, who was in red-hot form for Hearts last season, and while he did start against Haiti, it was not the best performance. 

Clarke then chose to have Che Adams and substitute Lyndon Dykes to spearhead the attack against Morocco, but they also struggled. 

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Scotland's best chance of scoring will likely be through a scrappy passage of play, where a poacher will do the damage, and Shankland perfectly suits that role. 

He thrives in the opposition box, and if a loose ball falls to him, Shankland will more than likely put it away. 

Gannon-Doak the man to create plenty of chances for Scotland 

It's no secret that Scotland struggle in attack, but if there's one man who can change that, it's winger Ben Gannon-Doak. 

He has been a shining light so far in Scotland's World Cup campaign, and has produced the most crosses in his two appearances so far. 

There are concerns surrounding his fitness, especially in a humid Miami against Brazil, but if Scotland are to have a glimmer of hope in front of goal, Gannon-Doak will need to be on the pitch.

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