Scotland vs Brazil prediction with knockout places on the line
Group C comes to a close with Scotland looking to get past the group stage for the first time in their history
Scotland has waited and waited for this moment - and now they have a chance to get themselves into a knockout game at a major tournament for the first time ever.
There are a couple of possible routes for them to get that job done. Third place in the group is already assured, and could be enough to get them through even if they suffer defeat to Brazil in Miami Gardens on Wednesday evening.
Keeping the scoreline down may be the order of the day if that is how it goes, while a draw would not move them up the standings but would be a massive boost for their hopes as they wait to see how they rank in the final third-place standings over the next few days.
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Scotland vs Brazil prediction in World Cup decider
Or...here's a thought...could Scotland save themselves a bit of time and get themselves through automatically by beating Brazil and finishing in the top two?
If Steve Clarke's side could pull that off, it would be one of the most glorious results in Scotland's long international football history.
It's not beyond the realms of possibility, either. Scotland have been sorely lacking in firepower so far this summer, but have also conceded just once across their two games against Haiti and Morocco.
If they can frustrate a somewhat less-than-vintage-looking Brazil side over the 90 minutes and nick or goal or two, Scotland would overtake the Selecao and possible even Morocco to book their place in the round of 32.
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Realistically, Scotland will know that may require another moment of Scott McTominay magic or a punishing set piece routine, as well as an awful lot of steel, determination and focus in defence.
Brazil can be expected to dominate the game, though, and gained a bit of momentum after putting their slightly frustrating draw with Morocco behind them by beating Haiti 3-0 last time out.
Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha have each bagged two goals so far this summer, and keeping them quiet will be absolutely key for Scotland.
That is a big, big ask - and it's hard to put hand on heart and say we think a Scotland clean sheet is coming.
It would be fantastic to see them get their moment at long last...but we think they're going to have to wait and see.
- Score prediction: Scotland 0-2 Brazil
Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
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