Brazil to unleash 79-goal striker on Scotland but have World Cup injury sweat over key player
Decorated forward back in fold after calf complaint
Brazil plan to unleash Neymar on Scotland as the forward edges closer to full fitness.
The 34-year-old has yet to feature at the World Cup due to a calf issue but after Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti that moved them top of Group C, their head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed the striker - who has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for his country - will be used against the Scots in Miami on Wednesday.
“Neymar will train individually tomorrow [Sunday],” said Ancelotti. “Then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready to play against Scotland.”
Matheus Cunha scored twice against the Haitians, while Vinicius Junior netted the third. All of the goals came in a first half during which Brazil looked markedly improved from their insipid opening draw against Morocco.
Brazil ran riot in the first half, helped by some generous defending from the Caribbean side, whose high line gave Cunha, Raphinha and Vinicius plenty of opportunities to run in behind.
Brazil went ahead on 23 minutes. Vinicius cut in from the left and his curling effort was parried by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide to leave the Manchester United forward with a simple finish.
Cunha scored his second after 36 minutes as Haiti lost the ball in midfield, Vinicius played the former Wolves man in on the left and he smashed a first-time finish into the roof of the net.
Vinicius went from provider to scorer in first-half stoppage time as the Real Madrid forward latched on to Lucas Paqueta’s lofted pass and slotted the ball past the helpless Placide.
“We were much better in the first half, with more effectiveness up front,” said Ancelotti. “In the second half we had more control. We had a lot of chances, we could score more goals. Overall it was a good game.”
Brazil do have an injury concern for the match against Scotland after winger Raphinha limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.
“It’s a shame,” added Ancelotti. “I think it was the same injury as last time. We’re very sad about that. I hope it’s nothing serious and that he can continue with us.”
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