Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, has emphasized the need for his team to brace for the formidable presence of Neymar as they face Brazil in Miami on Wednesday. Neymar is set to make his World Cup debut after a recovery from injury, coinciding with the critical stage of Group C.
Clarke acknowledged Neymar’s exceptional talent, stating, “His qualities are without question,”
He further noted Brazil’s performance throughout the tournament, indicating their status as a significant threat, adding, “He’s one of the superstars of the modern era. 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. “Brazil have shown in the matches so far in this tournament that they are a big threat. I am sure they expect to be, as a minimum, last four of the competition.”
Scotland’s Strategy and Concerns
Scotland’s captain, Andy Robertson, who has previously played against Neymar at the club level, expressed indifference regarding whether Neymar starts the match. “It’s not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinícius Júnior, Endrick or [Gabriel] Martinelli,” Robertson remarked. “I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality. “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. France’s meeting with Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday was delayed mid-game for more than two hours owing to a lightning storm. Electricity was a feature around Miami Stadium as Clarke completed pre-match media duties the following day. The 62-year-old said Scotland had made a plan, should thunder and lightning arrive. “So far we have probably been a little bit lucky with the weather,”
He continued, emphasizing the depth of talent in the Brazilian lineup, stating, “Looking at the forecast, it is possible if there will be some rain disruptions. We have a strategy in mind on to how to deal with it. Obviously you don’t know how long the delay is going to be. “You have to wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike and that can just roll on and on. If there is to be a delay then hopefully it will be a short one.”
Weather Preparations and Team Updates
As the team prepared for the match, Clarke was aware of potential weather disruptions, recalling a recent incident during France’s match against Iraq, which was delayed for over two hours due to a lightning storm. Clarke indicated that they have developed a plan should storms occur, stating, “Aaron will hopefully get himself ready for the knockout stages,”
He elaborated on the protocols for weather delays, saying, “Everybody else is fit and raring to go.”
Clarke confirmed that Scotland will be without the injured Aaron Hickey, who also missed their previous match against Morocco. He expressed hope for Hickey’s recovery, stating, “Aaron will hopefully get himself ready for the knockout stages. Everybody else is fit and raring to go.”
