Robertson urges Scotland to seize World Cup history against Brazil in Miami

Scotland stand one result away from their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage appearance, with Andy Robertson and manager Steve Clarke rallying the squad ahead of Wednesday’s Group C clash against Brazil at Miami Stadium.

Having taken three points from their opening fixtures against Haiti and Morocco, Scotland need only a draw against the five-time world champions to all but guarantee progression — a milestone the nation has never reached in its World Cup history.

Clarke heaped praise on his 32-year-old captain, who has earned 96 caps for his country and is closing in on the Scottish appearances record. “He’s been a fantastic captain for Scotland,” Clarke said. “He leads this group of players like the leader he is and he’s very, very important to me and the squad. I want him to have the best night of his life tomorrow night.”

Robertson echoed the mood of quiet confidence in the camp, framing the match as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. “It’s one that we look forward to. We are playing against a massive country, the most iconic in World Cups, obviously most decorated,” he said. “But it also gives us an opportunity to achieve our dreams as well. We want to achieve history for our little country.”

One of the more intriguing subplots involves Robertson’s relationship with Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker, his former Liverpool teammate of eight years. Robertson was effusive in his admiration for the shot-stopper, describing him as “the best keeper in the world” and praising him as “an even better person” off the pitch.

“In big moments Ali was always there for us,” Robertson recalled. “Even when our defence was at its best, sometimes teams would get through and we would always rely on Ali to make the saves.”

However, Robertson made clear that sentiment stops at the final whistle. “I hope he’s picking the ball out of the net maybe a couple of times tomorrow — more usual than I’m used to,” he said. “Hopefully tomorrow he doesn’t keep a clean sheet.”

A Scotland victory or draw would represent a seismic moment for a nation that has qualified for eight World Cups without ever advancing beyond the group stage.