Scotland's strong midfield will be key to competing with Brazil on Wednesday, but the "sweltering afternoon heat" of Miami could mean a similar outcome to their 1982 meeting in Seville, fears South American football expert Tim Vickery.
The Scots took the lead in 44 years ago only to lose 4-1 but need to avoid a repeat if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.
Vickery expects Al-Ittihad's Fabinho to start alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta instead of Manchester United's Casemiro, who is on a yellow card and in danger of suspension.
"But central midfield is not their best area," he said of the current Brazil side on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "Scotland are quite strong there and can compete.
"Can they do it for the full 90 minutes? Memories of that fine Scottish side in '82 that held Brazil 1-1 at half time but in the second half in the heat of Seville couldn't keep it up.
The Scots took the lead in 44 years ago only to lose 4-1 but need to avoid a repeat if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.
Vickery expects Al-Ittihad's Fabinho to start alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta instead of Manchester United's Casemiro, who is on a yellow card and in danger of suspension.
"But central midfield is not their best area," he said of the current Brazil side on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "Scotland are quite strong there and can compete.
"Can they do it for the full 90 minutes? Memories of that fine Scottish side in '82 that held Brazil 1-1 at half time but in the second half in the heat of Seville couldn't keep it up.
4 months ago
