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Steve Clarke believes Scotland must be prepared for the threat provided by the “icon” Neymar in Miami on Wednesday. Neymar is expected to make his bow for Brazil in this World Cup after returning from injury as Group C reaches its climax.
“His qualities are without question,” Scotland’s manager said. “He’s one of the superstars of the modern era. We can expect a very dangerous opponent but I could go on about Brazil and so many dangerous opponents. Neymar is just one of them; even coming from the bench he would give them a lift because he is such an icon.
“Brazil have shown in the matches so far in this tournament that they are a big threat. I am sure they expect to be, as a minimum, last four of the competition.”
The Scotland captain, Andy Robertson, who has faced Neymar at club level, insisted he had no preference over whether the man capped 128 times starts. “It’s not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinícius Júnior, Endrick or [Gabriel] 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 Carlo Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare the best we can but they have quality in every position. That’s what we’re up against, one of the best teams in the world.
France’s meeting with Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday was delayed mid-game for more than two hours owing to a lightning storm. Electricity was a feature around Miami Stadium as Clarke completed pre-match media duties the following day. The 62-year-old said Scotland had made a plan, should thunder and lightning arrive.
“So far we have probably been a little bit lucky with the weather,” Clarke said. “Looking at the forecast, it is possible if there will be some rain disruptions. We have a strategy in mind on to how to deal with it. Obviously you don’t know how long the delay is going to be.
“You have to wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike and that can just roll on and on. If there is to be a delay then hopefully it will be a short one.”
Clarke will be without the injured Aaron Hickey, who also missed Scotland’s 1-0 loss to Morocco. Scotland know a point will almost certainly secure a knockout stage place. “Aaron will hopefully get himself ready for the knockout stages,” said Clarke. “Everybody else is fit and raring to go.”
