Scotland face Brazil with knockout path still open despite Group B setback

Scotland’s World Cup knockout hopes remain alive before kick-off against Brazil, with a win guaranteeing progress and a draw leaving them almost certain to advance according to a BBC scenario graphic. Even a narrow loss could still be enough, but heavier defeat would make qualification increasingly dependent on results elsewhere.

The match is scheduled for 11pm BST in Miami, where weather could yet become part of the story. The reported FIFA protocol would pause play if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, with a 30-minute reset process before teams can return.

Steve Clarke’s selection was reported as a more attacking one, with Ben Gannon-Doak, Lawrence Shankland, Scott McKenna and Kenny McLean included, while Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Ché Adams were left out. For Brazil, Neymar was not listed to start but was described as available from the bench, while Rayan came in with Raphinha absent.

The wider qualification picture tightened after Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third in Group B on four points. Scotland also carry a difficult historical record into the fixture, having failed to beat Brazil in 10 previous meetings, but the immediate task is simpler than the history: avoid a damaging scoreline and keep control of their route into the knockouts.