Miami heat could mean a repeat of 1982 against Brazil - Vickery

Scotland's strong midfield will be key to competing with Brazil on Wednesday, but the "sweltering afternoon heat" of Miami could mean a similar outcome to their 1982 meeting in Seville, fears South American football expert Tim Vickery.

The Scots took the lead in 44 years ago only to lose 4-1 but need to avoid a repeat if they are to progress to the knock-out stages for the first time.

Vickery expects Al-Ittihad's Fabinho to start alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta instead of Manchester United's Casemiro, who is on a yellow card and in danger of suspension.

"But central midfield is not their best area," he said of the current Brazil side on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound. "Scotland are quite strong there and can compete.

"Can they do it for the full 90 minutes? Memories of that fine Scottish side in '82 that held Brazil 1-1 at half time but in the second half in the heat of Seville couldn't keep it up.

"I would be more optimistic for Scotland if it was in Boston rather in Miami in the sweltering afternoon heat."

Vickery says head coach Carlo Ancelotti sprung a surprise by selecting Brentford's Igor Thiago up front in their 1-1 group opener with Morocco, but that "meant that no-one was protecting Brazil's left-hand side, where they're not particularly strong defensively".

That changed with the introduction of Manchester United's Matheus Cunha as a substitute and from the start in the 3-0 win over Haiti.

"It would be a surprise to me if they don't repeat that, especially given the threat that at some point that [Scotland's Ben] Gannon-Doak offers to a team that doesn't defend particularly well down that side," Vickery said.

Meanwhile, veteran Santos forward Neymar "is now back in full training and they would like to give him some minutes, but I don't see how he can start as he has gone a month without playing".

The 3-0 win over Haiti "has been a boost to morale", but Vickery warned: "Had they won the first two games, maybe they would ease up against Scotland. That is not the case.

"They are still looking to find a blend and play themselves into the competition, so they will be looking to be on the upward curve."