Scotland boss Steve Clarke says his first World Cup memory is watching the great Brazil side of 1970
Scotland boss Steve Clarke says his first World Cup memory is watching the great Brazil side of 1970
Head coach Steve Clarke says Scotland have put plans in place to deal with any weather delays that might affect their crucial World Cup match with Brazil in Miami on Wednesday.
The Scots know a draw in their final Group C match will all but guarantee passage into the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.
Thunder storms are forecast for Miami and could cause the match to be paused.
The Group I match between France and Iraq on Monday was halted for two hours due to lightning strikes in the area around the stadium in Philadelphia.
“I think so far we’ve probably been a little bit lucky with the weather,” Clarke said.
“Looking at the forecast, it’s possible that there will be some rain disruptions.
“We have a strategy in mind on how to deal with it. Obviously, you don’t know how long the delay is going to be.
“They’re always doing it off the last lightning strike. You’ve got to wait 30 minutes off the last lightning strike, so that can just roll on and roll on.
“If there is to be a delay, then hopefully it will be a short one but we have an idea of what we’ll do if it happens to us.”
Clarke, who confirmed that full-back Aaron Hickey will not be fit for the match, will put a long-held fondness for Brazil to one side.
“For me, as a coach, to be involved in a World Cup match against Brazil, one of the most iconic teams in the world… first memories of the World Cup for me were probably the 1970 Brazil team,” said Clarke.
“They were absolutely fantastic.
“They were great to see for a young boy growing up. And you grow up with that love of Brazil. But tomorrow night, we have to not love Brazil and love Scotland more.”
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Meanwhile, Scotland captain Andy Robertson says his side has to go in full of belief that they can mix it with the superstars of Brazil.
“It’s not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinicius Jr, Endrick or Martinelli,” said the experienced left-back.
“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.”
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