Scotland ‘stitched up’ by World Cup decision as Brazil prediction made | Football | Sport
Joe Cole believes Scotland have been ‘stitched up’ by the scheduling of their pivotal match against Brazil. A win against the South American giants would see Steve Clarke’s side progress beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time.
A draw would all but also guarantee progression, while Scotland could even qualify with a loss, albeit goal difference could be key if they fall to defeat. The Group C game will kick off at 5pm local time at Miami Stadium.
And Cole believes given how warm it is going to be, Scotland have no chance of being able to compete with Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: “Survive. I think FIFA have stitched them up here. It’s a 5pm kick-off in Miami against Brazil, it’s the hardest game of the tournament.
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“I think they have got no chance, I have played in that heat in the height of summer and they are going to need at least six or seven hydration breaks to see them through the first half. It’s second nature for the Brazilians.”
Scotland have never beaten Brazil in 10 attempts, with eight defeats and two draws, and boss Clarke said: “For me, as a coach, to be involved in a World Cup match against Brazil, one of the most iconic teams in the world…first memories of the World Cup for me were probably the 1970 Brazil team.
“They were absolutely fantastic. They were great to see for a young boy growing up. And you grow up with that love of Brazil. But tomorrow night, we have to not love Brazil and love Scotland more.
“I think the characteristics of Brazil as a national team is they have to attack. These are the characteristics that people expect from a Brazil team.
“In qualifying, they did enough to qualify. Maybe they wanted to be better and finish higher in the section. To finish fifth, maybe a disappointment.
“But I think they’ve shown in the matches so far in this tournament that they can be a big threat and I’m sure they expect to be minimum last four in the competition.”
While Brazil boss Ancelotti said: “It will be a difficult game. Scotland has quality, they are fighters, they are well organised.
“They have good players, [Scott] McTominay, [John] McGinn that are experienced players. Easy games at the World Cup were finished a long time ago. We are ready to play a difficult game.
“They are a strong team. They have a very clear strategy. It’s a very well-organised team. Usually play 4-4-2, long balls. They will try and do a lot of crossing. We need to control the match in that sense.”
