Ancelotti on Scotland: "Well-Organized Fighters"

Brazil's national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has confirmed that Neymar will be available for their final World Cup group stage match against Scotland. However, Ancelotti remained tight-lipped on whether the Seleção star would actually feature in the game, scheduled for June 25th at 1:00 AM Bulgarian time in Miami. The 34-year-old forward was called up by the Italian tactician for the North American World Cup after nearly three years away from the national squad but has yet to play in the tournament due to a calf injury.

"Neymar is available. He trained this week and will be ready for the match. We are very happy to have him back because he can obviously help the team with his qualities. I've really gotten to know him well. He works very seriously, trying to recover as quickly as possible. I'm very happy for him. Even if he doesn't play, he brings experience, game knowledge, and helps the young players. He's doing very well," Ancelotti told the media. When asked how much Neymar might play, the Italian joked: "He can play 90 minutes – walking. No, he's fine, he's working and training very well."

Brazil, who drew 1-1 against Morocco and defeated Haiti 3-0 in their first two Group C matches, currently lead the group. They will secure qualification for the knockout stages if they avoid defeat against Scotland, and Carlo Ancelotti expects a strong performance from his players. However, he will need to find a replacement for winger Raphinha, who is struggling with a thigh issue, but again refused to disclose who would take his place in the starting lineup. "Obviously, we are very committed to performing well in this World Cup. I think the first match wasn't the best, the second was better, and we are confident that the third will be the best," the Italian stated.

Their opponents, Scotland, who have one win and one loss after their initial matches, could still advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Ancelotti anticipates a tough encounter against the "Tartan Army." "The Scotland team has quality. They are fighters and are very well organized. Scott McTominay and John McGinn are experienced players who are used to such matches. It will be a difficult game, as usual. I think the easy matches in the World Cup ended a long time ago, so we are ready to play a tough game," Ancelotti added.

Brazil's flight to Miami was delayed on Tuesday, pushing Ancelotti's press conference to a later time, but the Italian stated he wouldn't let it deter him from enjoying his first World Cup as a coach. "Before today, everything was perfect. Today there was a small problem, but that can happen. I think we have the quality and confidence to have a good World Cup. In football, anything can happen, but in any case, it will be a wonderful experience – even if I had to give a press conference at nine in the evening," the Italian remarked.