ShareThree points against Haiti was the absolute requirement for Scotland and they achieved that – but to reach the knockout phase there’s a real chance that they’ll need to pull off a shock result against Brazil.By Karl MatchettMaths and maybesOf course, it’s likely that at least one team goes through with only three points, but the problem Scotland have is that in playing their final group game relatively early, they won’t know what’s really required until much later.Group C as it standsOnly eight of the 12 third-placed teams will progress to the round of 32, and already – with a game to play – there are four nations in third in their groups with a win on the board. Scotland are one of them but it’s more than feasible that the likes of DR Congo or Bosnia and Herzegovina move to four points by the time all the groups are done. Goal difference is very likely to come into play, so if they have to suffer defeat, Steve Clarke’s men dare not let the game get away from them.Minus one is feasible; if it starts to reach two, three or more, they are in trouble. It’s tough to play to draw, but the Scots are organised, hard working and have incredible team spirit – but they must counter-attack when the chance is there, too.Are Brazil really contenders?After all, the Seleção have already shown they have a soft underbelly. They are susceptible to fast breaks, they are ponderous through the centre of the pitch and there are no shortages of players who don’t particularly relish tracking back to make up the numbers, even under Carlo Ancelotti. That said, they retain an array of attacking talent who are match-winners, and the depth to switch matters up if they’re not working. Going direct might be reductive for Brazil, but if the one-on-one speedsters don’t have their day, a poacher or two from the bench could still decide the group. Beyond that? We’ll be looking for a lot more from the team before placing them among the genuine contenders – at present they’re on course to face Netherlands or Japan and you wouldn’t feel it’s a guarantee they even triumph there.Brazil’s starting line up and match ratings vs. HaitiRecent formScotland beat Haiti 1-0 then lost to Morocco by the same scoreline after a first-minute goal. Brazil laboured to a draw with the Africans, then trounced Haiti without getting out of second gear.Team newsScott McKenna, Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey are injury doubts for the Scots, while Raphinha is out for Brazil – but Neymar could be fit enough to return.Key playerAssuming Brazil dominate play, it’s Lewis Ferguson who will be key for Scotland in the holding midfield role. Across European midfielders he ranks ahead of 70% over the past year for defensive actions and 93% for aerials won – and at the World Cup so far he ranks 99% for fouls and duels won. He’ll need to keep that up.PredictionBrazil really haven’t impressed much…but it only takes a momentary lapse for some of these quality attackers to break through. The Scots will give them that: Scotland 1-2 Brazil.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the World Cup with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.Three points against Haiti was the absolute requirement for Scotland and they achieved that – but to reach the knockout phase there’s a real chance that they’ll need to pull off a shock result against Brazil.By Karl MatchettMaths and maybesOf course, it’s likely that at least one team goes through with only three points, but the problem Scotland have is that in playing their final group game relatively early, they won’t know what’s really required until much later.Group C as it standsOnly eight of the 12 third-placed teams will progress to the round of 32, and already – with a game to play – there are four nations in third in their groups with a win on the board. Scotland are one of them but it’s more than feasible that the likes of DR Congo or Bosnia and Herzegovina move to four points by the time all the groups are done. Goal difference is very likely to come into play, so if they have to suffer defeat, Steve Clarke’s men dare not let the game get away from them.Minus one is feasible; if it starts to reach two, three or more, they are in trouble. It’s tough to play to draw, but the Scots are organised, hard working and have incredible team spirit – but they must counter-attack when the chance is there, too.Are Brazil really contenders?After all, the Seleção have already shown they have a soft underbelly. They are susceptible to fast breaks, they are ponderous through the centre of the pitch and there are no shortages of players who don’t particularly relish tracking back to make up the numbers, even under Carlo Ancelotti. That said, they retain an array of attacking talent who are match-winners, and the depth to switch matters up if they’re not working. Going direct might be reductive for Brazil, but if the one-on-one speedsters don’t have their day, a poacher or two from the bench could still decide the group. Beyond that? We’ll be looking for a lot more from the team before placing them among the genuine contenders – at present they’re on course to face Netherlands or Japan and you wouldn’t feel it’s a guarantee they even triumph there.Brazil’s starting line up and match ratings vs. HaitiRecent formScotland beat Haiti 1-0 then lost to Morocco by the same scoreline after a first-minute goal. Brazil laboured to a draw with the Africans, then trounced Haiti without getting out of second gear.Team newsScott McKenna, Kieran Tierney and Aaron Hickey are injury doubts for the Scots, while Raphinha is out for Brazil – but Neymar could be fit enough to return.Key playerAssuming Brazil dominate play, it’s Lewis Ferguson who will be key for Scotland in the holding midfield role. Across European midfielders he ranks ahead of 70% over the past year for defensive actions and 93% for aerials won – and at the World Cup so far he ranks 99% for fouls and duels won. He’ll need to keep that up.PredictionBrazil really haven’t impressed much…but it only takes a momentary lapse for some of these quality attackers to break through. The Scots will give them that: Scotland 1-2 Brazil.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the World Cup with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.