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Scotland’s record vs Brazil at the World Cup

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When the draw was made for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Scotland fans were handed a familiar name to contend with.

The Scots made it back to international football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years after beating Denmark 4-2 in their final qualifying match. It was a match they had little room for slip-ups in, with a loss or a draw meaning they’d have to win their way through further matches in the playoffs to secure qualification – something Denmark weren’t so lucky in getting through.

Brazil, the five-time world champions, are one of the most iconic footballing nations on the planet, and an opponent Scotland know all too well from their World Cup history.

The two sides have met at the tournament on four previous occasions, each one a chapter in a long-running story that’s featured some of the most legendary players both nations have ever produced. From the Brazilian sides packed with players like Zico, Socrates, Dunga and Ronaldo, to Scotland squads built around the likes of Billy Bremner, Kenny Dalglish, and John Collins.


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Scotland return to the World Cup stage in Group C this summer. They’ll play Haiti, followed by a tough match-up against Morocco, before facing the Selecao for the fifth time at a World Cup in the last match of the group, one that might require them to take points from Carlo Ancelotti’s men in order to progress from the group stage for the first time ever.

Before that showdown in Miami on the 24th of June, here’s a look back at every time these two sides have met at a World Cup.

1

1974 – West Germany

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

Scotland’s first World Cup encounter with Brazil came in 1974, and it was a physical, tense affair that produced no goals but plenty of drama.

The match featured some of the great names of 1970s football, Jairzinho and Rivelino lining up for the world champions, with Billy Bremner, Kenny Dalglish, and Peter Lorimer representing the Scots, yet the game descended into a grinding battle rather than a showcase of talent. Scotland stood firm throughout and came away with a hard-fought point against the reigning world champions, drawing 0-0. The result left them well-placed to qualify from the group, but a 1-1 draw against Yugoslavia was ultimately not enough. Scotland went home having not lost a single game, the cruel victim of goal difference.


Ben Doak, Scott McTominay, Grant Hanley, John Souttar line up for Scotland


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2

1982 – Spain

Scotland 1-4 Brazil

Alan Hansen Scotland Serginho Brazil World Cup 1982

The 1982 meeting in Seville is one of the most memorable Scotland have ever played at a World Cup, for the most bittersweet of reasons.

David Narey‘s thunderous long-range strike gave Scotland a shock early lead, silencing a Brazilian side containing some of the finest attacking talent the game has ever seen. Zico, Socrates and Falcao were all in that squad, and they responded brilliantly. Zico levelled before half-time, and the floodgates opened in the second half with goals from Oscar, Eder, and a late Falcao strike completing a 4-1 win. Narey’s goal has passed into Scottish folklore, even though what happened after wasn’t quite as memorable.

3

1990 – Italy

Scotland 0-1 Brazil

Romario Brazil, Stuart McCall, Gary Gillespie Scotland World Cup 1990

Italia ’90 began in the worst way possible for Scotland, losing their opening group game to Costa Rica. They redeemed themselves with a 2-1 win over Sweden, meaning their final encounter with Brazil in Turin was a must-win.

It was a tight and tense match, with Scotland defending resolutely against a Brazilian side that included Romario and Dunga in their starting lineup. Scotland goalkeeper Jim Leighton made a series of important saves to keep his side in the contest, but when Muller came off the bench and capitalised on a parry from Leighton in the 81st minute, Scotland’s World Cup dream was effectively over. The 1-0 defeat, combined with Costa Rica’s win over Sweden elsewhere in the group, confirmed Scotland’s exit at the group stage yet again.

4

1998 – France

Scotland 1-2 Brazil

Colin Hendry Scotland Ronaldo Brazil 1998 World Cup

Scotland’s most recent World Cup meeting with Brazil, and arguably the most dramatic, came in the opening game of the 1998 tournament at the Stade de France.

Brazil, featuring Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Rivaldo, were overwhelming favourites, but Scotland more than matched them for long periods. An early Brazilian goal was cancelled out by a composed John Collins penalty, and for a period Scotland dared to dream. It was not to be. A Tommy Boyd own goal sealed defeat for the Scots, with the ball deflecting cruelly off his chest from a saved Cafu shot. Scotland went on to be eliminated in the group stage with just a point, and it would be 28 years before they returned to a World Cup.

5

2026 – United States, Canada, Mexico

Scott McTominay Scotland

Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup sees them drawn against Brazil once again, with the two sides set to meet in what will be the final group game for both nations.

Depending on how the earlier fixtures against Haiti and Morocco go, it could be a match with enormous implications for Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Both sides have stars of their own. Neymar, Vinicius Junior and co, as ever, come into the tournament as one of the favourites, while Andy Roberson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn will all be hoping that 28 years of Scottish pain can be put to rest.

Scotland’s record vs Brazil at the World Cup

Tournament

Result

Venue

Scottish Goalscorer(s)

1974 World Cup

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

Frankfurt, Germany

N/A

1982 World Cup

Scotland 1-4 Brazil

Seville, Spain

David Narey

1990 World Cup

Scotland 0-1 Brazil

Turin, Italy

N/A

1990 World Cup

Scotland 1-2 Brazil

Paris, France

John Collins


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Man Utd are Considering the Wrong LaLiga Left-Back in Jorge Salinas

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Manchester United are said to be considering the signing of LaLiga star Jorge Salinas, but they are considering the wrong LaLiga left-back. The Red Devils are in the market for a left-back, and they are even said to be prioritising a player on the left side of defence due to a lack of depth.

United only have Luke Shaw as a senior out-and-out left-back, with Patrick Dorgu a winger and left-back, while players like Sergio León and Harry Amass lack senior experience at this stage. Newcastle United star Lewis Hall was United’s priority target, but the Magpies will not be selling the England international in this window having lost three key players already.

Racing Club de Santander left-back Salinas has been linked as an alternative, with the left-back available for around £15million due to the presence of a release clause. Salinas is only 19 years of age, but he has huge potential, playing a key role in Racing’s title-winning season of last as they secured promotion to the top flight.

“He is the best left-back in LaLiga on performances.” – Manolo Gonzales, Espanyol head coach

The defender went on to win the Under-19s Euros with Spain this summer, and he has returned to his starting role with Racing, playing a key role in their opening weekend draw with Villarreal. Salinas is more of a defensive left-back, also able to play as a centre-back, but he would not be a starter at Old Trafford. And while United don’t need a starting left-back, they do need a player who can genuinely challenge Shaw, and it is a little early for Salinas to play that role at United.

Romero’s LaLiga stats 2025/26

  • Appearances: 36
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 3
  • Pass success: 79.3%
  • Tackles: 2.3 per game
  • Interceptions: 1.1 per game
  • Clearances: 2 per game
  • Key passes: 0.8 per game

Man Utd should be considering Romero instead

Michael Carrick Reuters

A better left-back target for United would be Villarreal left-back Carlos Romero, who has been on a meteoric rise of late. Romero played a starring role out on loan with Espanyol last season, emerging as one of the best left-backs in LaLiga despite playing for a mid-table side.

The 24-year-old has had to be patient at Villarreal, but the Yellow Submarine were in no doubt that he would become their starting left-back this season, so much so that they allowed the long-serving Alfonso Pedraza to leave the club at the end of his contract to make way.

They then gave Romero a new five-year contract upon his return from his two-year loan spell in Catalonia and gave him a significant pay rise, also raising his release clause to €45million.

All that is because Villarreal know they have a top player on their hands, and other clubs have also taken notice, with Barcelona having been linked with a move for the full-back, who is likely on track to land a Spain call-up at some point this season.

Romero is an all-rounder. He is aggressive in the challenge, relentlessly energetic and eager to get forward, as well as doing the defensive dirty work. He won Espanyol’s Player of the Season last term, and Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez said last season: “He is the best left-back in LaLiga on performances. Romero is a player that we all know is performing at a very high level. His level is spectacular. Since he went onto the pitch against Sevilla, he has been one of the best in the league.”

Romero would be a more expensive signing for United compared to Salinas, but he would provide instant competition for Shaw, and it’s likely he would see plenty of starts once Carrick gets a look at him.

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Top Doctor Casts Jamal Musiala Verdict After Bayern Star Collapses Again

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A top neurologist has shed light on the potential condition that Jamal Musiala might be suffering from after the Bayern Munich star collapsed for the second time in four days on Tuesday.

Musiala, 23, appeared dazed and was helped off the pitch after receiving medical treatment, six minutes after coming off the bench during Bayern’s 4-2 friendly win over Heidenheim.

The worrying incident occurred just several days after a similar incident during Bayern’s 3-1 victory against RB Leipzig, prompting fears for the Germany international.

“We knew about it and we are aware of the situation,” Bayern Munich’s sporting director Max Eberl told reporters. “Jamal will speak out. He’s in the dressing room, getting changed and taking a shower.”

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, Musiala revealed: “I’ve been diagnosed with temporary, brief, but easily treatable absence seizures, which are due to a neurological dysfunction.

“These can lead to the recent episodes, like the one against Leipzig or now in Heidenheim. I know they seem scary at first glance – but for me, they’re currently just part of my everyday life.

“I’m receiving excellent medical treatment and am very optimistic. FC Bayern and my family and friends are always by my side and supporting me on this journey.”

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Top Neurologist Casts Musiala Verdict

German outlet BILD contacted top neurologist Prof. Christoph Kleinschnitz, head of neurology at the University Hospital Essen.

The doctor said, via a translation from @iMiaSanMia on X (Twitter): “From a neurological perspective, this could potentially be an epileptic seizure. It could be a form of absence epilepsy, as symptoms such as brief periods of unresponsiveness are consistent with it.

“However, we would need to know all the findings from the neurological examinations to make that assessment. It is highly treatable, but would require long-term therapy. Musiala can continue playing football.”

The neurologist currently has no fears that the concerning issues Musiala is experiencing will hinder his hugely promising career.

At the same time, it seems clear that Musiala requires some form of treatment to prevent similar incidents from occurring this season.

Musiala, who starred for England’s youth teams before pledging his international future to Germany in 2021, is one of the best players in world football and Bayern are hoping to have the attacking midfielder available for the full season after missing a large chunk of the 2025-26 campaign through injury.

Bayern’s No. 10 suffered a fractured fibula, along with a dislocated and broken ankle, during the Club World Cup quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain but returned to action midway through last season.

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Tottenham Plotting Move for Illia Zabarnyi

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting an ambitious move to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi, after captain Cristian Romero completed his move away from the club.

Tottenham now have a decision to make over whether they replace the Argentina international or not, with fellow centre-backs Radu Dragusin and Ashley Phillips also departing the club this summer.

Spurs have already signed Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke to boost Roberto De Zerbi’s central defensive options, with Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies the other options able to play there.

That might be seen as being enough depth, given one of Senesi and Van Hecke are unlikely to start ahead of Van de Ven, but the north London outfit will also always be open to adding the very best players to a squad they want to launch up the Premier League table again after successive 17th-placed finishes.

Tottenham’s PL Defensive Record

Season

Goals conceded

2023-24

61

2024-25

65

2025-26

57

Total

183

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are showing interest in an ambitious move for PSG centre-back Zabarnyi, who only joined the Champions League holders last summer from Bournemouth.

Despite that, a move away from the Parc des Princes remains a possibility for the Ukraine international, although he could be forced to wait for other dominoes to fall first before an exit can materialise.

With Chelsea and Liverpool both showing previous interest but both currently not in the market for new centre-backs, there could be an opportunity for Spurs.

Zabarnyi Would be a Better Signing Than Tonali

Illia Zabarnyi during a pre-match warm-up at Bournemouth via Reuters

Tottenham have made some hugely ambitious moves in the summer transfer market, especially given they only avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day last term.

Breaking their transfer record twice in a matter of days to sign Mateus Fernandes and then Sandro Tonali is proof of that, and they look well set up – in defence and midfield at least – to push for the European spots again next term.

De Zerbi wants to strengthen his attack next with Savinho and Cody Gakpo two key targets, but adding Zabarnyi to his backline would be a touch of genius.

PSG are the best team in Europe right now, and the Ukrainian centre-back started 26 of their Ligue 1 matches last term as they won the title.

Speaking after his PSG debut against Nantes, Luis Enrique said:

His technical and physical condition is perfect for the style of play I like. He’s comfortable with the ball. And without it, he usually wins it back. He’s had a very good game.

The 23-year-old was also part of a squad that won the Champions League for the second consecutive year, with that experience something that could prove invaluable to a Tottenham team who want to be on the up and ambitious again.

Zabarnyi now has that winning feeling and mentality that can be so attractive in a player, and he will have that hunger to keep winning titles and medals now.

Tonali is a great player and a great signing for Tottenham, don’t get us wrong. But there is a reason why PSG signed Zabarnyi and Luis Enrique has shown big trust in him, and it’s because he is a top operator who oozes class.

The quality and added competition he would bring at centre-back, with Tottenham’s defence a real weakness in recent years, could be another game-changer for De Zerbi.

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