Brazil and Scotland: A World Cup Rivalry Renewed in Miami.

For anyone who grew up watching World Cup football in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Brazil versus Scotland was almost a tournament tradition. From David Narey's unforgettable toe-poke in 1982 to the heartbreak of Tom Boyd's own goal in 1998, these two nations have shared some of the competition's most memorable moments.

This Wednesday in Miami, they add another chapter to that history.

It's the final Group C match, and both teams have everything to play for. Scotland are chasing something they've never achieved a place in the knockout stages. After kicking off their campaign with a gritty 1-0 win over Haiti, a narrow defeat to Morocco has left them needing at least a draw to feel comfortable.

Here's the thing though: even a loss might not end their dream, thanks to the new expanded format where the eight best third-placed teams advance. But the Scots aren't thinking about that.

John McGinn, who was just three years old when these sides last met at a World Cup, put it perfectly: "Scotland against Brazil in Miami to make some history is something you dream of."

The Weight of History:

Let's be honest this fixture means something different to each side. For Brazil, the five time champions, it's about business as usual. Win the group, move on, keep marching toward that sixth star. They sit level with Morocco on four points, so only victory guarantees top spot.

For Scotland? This is personal. They've never beaten Brazil at a World Cup. Four meetings, four defeats though 1974's goalless draw in West Germany came closest.

Jack Hendry, whose namesake Colin captained Scotland in that 1998 clash, isn't hiding his ambition: "Brazil have got an amazing history and we obviously want to disrupt that on Wednesday."

Will We Finally See Neymar?

Here's the subplot everyone's watching Neymar's return. The 34 year old hasn't pulled on the famous yellow shirt since October 2023, and a calf injury has kept him sidelined for Brazil's first two matches in the US. But he's training with the squad, and his teammates are buzzing.

Gabriel Martinelli summed it up: "We saw the quality he has in training, we were speechless. When you look at the shape he is in you can see that he is desperate to get out there."

If Neymar does feature, it would be fitting. The last time Brazil played Scotland a 2011 friendly in London a young Neymar bagged a brace on just his third cap.

What to Anticipate:

Scotland will be without full back Aaron Hickey who remains doubtful after missing the Morocco game. Brazil are missing Raphinha due to injury, but let's be real with Neymar potentially back, they aren't exactly short on firepower.

Can Scotland finally break their duck against the Samba kings? Or will Brazil remind everyone why they're still the team everyone wants to beat?

One thing's for sure when these two meet, history tends to happen. Narey's toe-poke. Boyd's own goal. The 1974 stalemate.

Wednesday in Miami, we get another chapter.