Brazil’s rival: Scotland head to Copa do Brasil on solid run, but untested | OneFootball

Brazil’s last opponent in the group stage of the World Cup, on June 24, Scotland arrives at the tournament buoyed by a consistent campaign in the European Qualifiers — even though their group lacked any of the world’s football powerhouses. The strongest rival in their group was Denmark, which casts some doubt on Scotland’s numbers.

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In six matches in the Qualifiers, Scotland recorded 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, a performance that secured a 72.2% success rate and the top spot in their group. The attack performed well throughout the cycle, with 13 goals scored and high efficiency: on average, the team needed 5.2 shots to find the net, according to SofaScore data.

Defensively, the numbers are more balanced. Scotland conceded 7 goals and finished only two matches without being scored on. Even so, they showed defensive strength by allowing 13.6 shots per goal conceded, which points to organization and the ability to protect the area during moments of pressure.

The most striking statistic is possession. With an average of 44.7%, Scotland has fully embraced a reactive style: strong marking and looking to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. They created 17 big chances, converting 7, numbers that reinforce the team’s direct and objective approach.

For Brazil, the clash promises a clear scenario: a disciplined and competitive opponent, but one that is likely to concede space and initiative. Scotland does not come in as the favorite, but has enough attributes to demand attention from coach Carlo Ancelotti.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.