Scotland v Brazil

Scotland are up in arms as McLean goes down under the challenge from Gabriel, but the midfielder was looking for the contact the whole way and it’s waved on again. The Arsenal defender plays on without a moment’s hesitation, and Scotland need to keep their heads here – frustration is starting to creep in.

After some muted Scotland appeals for a penalty, it’s waved away and quickly forgotten. Meanwhile, for Brazil, every player in that iconic yellow seems intent on finding one man: Vinicius. He picks it up yet again on the left, shifts inside, and shapes to shoot from the edge of the area. The opening beckons, the strike is clean enough – but it’s far too central to truly test Gunn, who gathers without fuss.

CHANCE! Vinicius so nearly completes his hat‑trick! He bursts straight through the heart of the Scotland back line, accelerating away as if they’re running in sand, but he can’t quite strike it as intended before Gunn races out to smother. No Brazilian has scored a World Cup hat‑trick since the legendary Pele, and the Real Madrid forward is gunning for history.

SAVED! Scotland finally register their first effort on goal since John McGinn struck against Haiti on June 14. Tierney – only just on the pitch – whips in a wicked cross from the left, and McTominay climbs highest to meet it. The Napoli midfielder gets plenty of contact, but can’t steer it where he wants, and Alisson gathers to keep Brazil comfortably in control.

This is Scotland’s ninth competitive fixture against South American opponents at the World Cup, failing to win any of their prior eight matches (D2, L6) while conceding 2.5 goals per game on average.

We’re back under way in Miami, and it’ll be fascinating to see what complexion this second half takes on. Scotland want to take something from this game, but they also can’t afford to concede again – that goal‑difference figure could prove decisive as they chase a place among the top eight third‑placed teams.