Robertson urges Scotland not to fear Brazil
Andy Robertson insisted that Scotland should be excited about its World Cup clash with Brazil, despite describing the five-time winner as "one of the best teams in the world".
Scotland faces Brazil in its final Group C clash, with a point likely to be enough to secure its spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
It would mark the first time that Scotland has gone beyond the group stages of a major tournament, though it come up against a side it has struggled against recently.
Brazil is the team Scotland has faced most in international football without ever winning (P10 D2 L8), with this their fifth meeting at the World Cup.
This will be Scotland's ninth competitive fixture against a South American team at the World Cup, failing to win any of their prior eight matches while conceding 2.5 goals per game on average.
Robertson acknowledged that Scotland face a tough test against Carlo Ancelotti's side, but he believes his team-mates have what it takes to re-write history.
"It's not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinicius Junior, Endrick or Martinelli," Robertson said. "I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality. Even when you look at the players they've left at home.
"It's up to [manager Carlo] Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare the best we can, but they have quality in every position – as well as the players coming on.
"That's what we're up against, one of the best teams in the world.
"We have to be as ready as we can be. We must come up with a game plan and put it in place to the best of our ability.
"They're blessed with so much talent, but we have to try and do the best for Scotland. It's something to be excited about, not to fear."
After drawing with Morocco in its opening group game, Brazil swept aside Haiti 3-0 last time out, with Matheus Cunha scoring either side of Vinicius Junior's fine finish.
Vinicius has been involved in six goals in his last five games for Brazil in all competitions (three goals, three assists), scoring in both group stage games so far.
There is also an expectation that Neymar, who missed Brazil's first two matches through injury, could make his return to the team against Steve Clarke's side.
Neymar's first brace for Brazil came against Scotland, in a March 2011 friendly — he scored both goals in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium in London.
"Obviously, his [Neymar] qualities are without question," Clarke said. "He's one of the superstars of the modern era. He always has injury issues coming into the tournament.
"I'm sure Carlo Ancelotti will use him wisely, whether that's from the bench or from the start.
"And we can expect a very dangerous opponent, but I could go on about saying there's always so many dangerous opponents and Neymar is just another dangerous opponent.
"I think coming from the bench, he can certainly give the team a lift because the crowd will give him a lift when he comes, because he's such an iconic figure."






























