Neymar available as Brazil and Scotland chase World Cup knockout places

Brazil and Scotland meet on June 24 in Miami with both teams trying to secure a place in the World Cup knockout rounds. Al Jazeera and Reuters report that Brazil lead Group C on four points, while Scotland are third on three and chasing a historic first escape from the group stage at a major international tournament.

The Group C match is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, which is 22:00 GMT, according to Al Jazeera. Brazil will finish as group winners if they avoid defeat and Morocco do not beat Haiti, Al Jazeera reported.

Scotland are already guaranteed to finish no lower than third in the group, Al Jazeera reported. A draw would put Steve Clarke’s side in a strong position to advance, while a defeat could leave Scotland waiting to see whether they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the expanded tournament.

Neymar back in contention

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is available for the match after missing Brazil’s first two Group C games, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Neymar last played for Brazil in 2023, when he sustained a serious knee injury against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier, according to the report.

The 34-year-old resumed full training last week and joined tactical and team work under Ancelotti on Monday, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Ancelotti did not confirm whether Neymar would play against Scotland.

“Neymar is available,” Ancelotti told reporters Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. “He worked this week and can be available for the match. We are very happy that he is back because, obviously, with his quality, he can help the team.”

Brazil will be without Raphinha, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, Al Jazeera reported. The Barcelona winger left Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti in the 40th minute on Friday, according to the report.

Scotland eye a first

Scotland opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over Haiti before losing to Morocco, Al Jazeera reported. Clarke said the chance to reach the knockout rounds would carry special meaning because Scotland have not previously advanced from a group at a major international tournament.

“Scottish teams have never managed to get beyond the group stage, so if we could be the first team to do that, then that would obviously be very special,” Clarke told reporters, according to Al Jazeera.

Captain Andrew Robertson said Scotland want to reward their travelling support, which Al Jazeera reported has drawn praise during the team’s stay in the United States. “We want to give them something to shout about,” Robertson told reporters, according to Al Jazeera.

History and form

Al Jazeera reported that Brazil and Scotland have met 10 times, with Scotland still looking for a first win in the matchup. Their World Cup history includes meetings in 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998; Brazil won the last three after a goalless draw in 1974.

Scotland have not beaten a South American team at the World Cup, with six defeats and two draws, according to Al Jazeera. Brazil and Morocco both have four points in Group C, with Brazil ahead on goal difference, while Haiti have been eliminated, Al Jazeera reported.

Opta gives Brazil a 68.1% chance of winning the match, with a 19% chance of a draw and a 12.9% chance of a Scotland victory, according to Al Jazeera. Opta also rates Brazil as the eighth most likely team to win the tournament, Al Jazeera reported.

Team news

Al Jazeera reported that Scotland defender Scott McKenna has returned to training after a calf injury kept him out of the first two games. Aaron Hickey remains a doubt after missing the Morocco match, while Lewis Ferguson is expected to start despite being rested from weekend training, according to the report.

Al Jazeera listed Scotland’s predicted team as Angus Gunn; Andrew Robertson, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Nathan Patterson; John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie, Ben Gannon-Doak; Che Adams.

Al Jazeera listed Brazil’s predicted team as Alisson Becker; Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Danilo; Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha, Rayan.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.