Scotland captain Andy Robertson has spoken candidly ahead of his nation’s crucial World Cup group-stage clash against Brazil in Miami, acknowledging both the magnitude of the occasion and the unique personal challenge posed by facing his Liverpool teammate Alisson Becker.

As Robertson edges closer to reaching 100 international caps for Scotland and continues his pursuit of Kenny Dalglish’s long-standing appearance record, the left-back finds himself in a leadership role that carries both responsibility and emotional weight. Yet, despite his experience and influence within the squad, Robertson has admitted there is one area where his guidance is essentially useless: advising his teammates on how to score against one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

That goalkeeper is Alisson Becker, his long-time club teammate at Liverpool and Brazil’s first-choice shot-stopper, who now stands as the final obstacle between Scotland and a potentially historic result.

Speaking from the stadium in Miami ahead of Scotland’s final group match, Robertson was refreshingly honest about the situation. He explained that while he is respected within the Scotland squad and often looked to for leadership, even he cannot offer any meaningful insights into beating a goalkeeper he has trained alongside for years.

With a touch of humour, Robertson suggested that his teammates probably should not rely on him for shooting advice, particularly when it comes to overcoming Alisson. He joked that his own record against the Brazilian in training sessions has been extremely limited, admitting that he could count on one hand the number of times he has managed to score past him.

According to Robertson, this long-standing experience in training has only reinforced his admiration for Alisson’s abilities. While he is hopeful that Scotland’s attackers can succeed where he has often failed, he made it clear that breaking down the Brazilian goalkeeper will be an extremely difficult task.

Despite the challenge, Robertson emphasized that Scotland cannot approach the match with hesitation or fear. He insisted that belief is essential if the team is to compete with one of the strongest footballing nations in the world. In his view, simply participating without the ambition to score or win would render the effort meaningless.

He stressed that Scotland’s objective must be to take any opportunities that arise during the match, no matter how limited they may be. Against a team like Brazil, chances are expected to be rare, and efficiency in front of goal could determine the outcome of the game.

Robertson acknowledged the quality of the opposition across the entire pitch, not just in goal. He pointed out that Brazil possess exceptional individual talent in every position, making them one of the most complete and dangerous teams in international football.

However, he reserved particular praise for Alisson Becker, whom he described as an extraordinary goalkeeper and a player capable of changing matches on his own. Robertson reflected on his years of playing alongside Alisson at Liverpool, highlighting the Brazilian’s consistency in high-pressure moments.

He noted that even when Liverpool’s defensive structure has been under strain, Alisson has frequently produced crucial saves that have kept the team competitive. According to Robertson, the goalkeeper’s reliability in decisive moments is one of the reasons he is so highly regarded at both club and international level.

Beyond his abilities on the pitch, Robertson also spoke warmly about Alisson as a person, describing him as humble, professional, and deeply respected within the Liverpool dressing room. He expressed admiration not only for the goalkeeper himself but also for his family, emphasizing the strong personal bond and mutual respect they share as teammates.

The upcoming match, however, will temporarily set aside that friendship as both players aim to help their respective nations achieve a crucial result in the World Cup.

In addition to discussing the challenge of facing Brazil, Robertson was also asked about Scotland’s disciplinary situation, particularly concerns over potential suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards. Several members of the squad are reportedly one booking away from missing future matches, which could have implications depending on Scotland’s progress in the tournament.

Initially, Robertson admitted that he had not given the issue much thought. He explained that football at this level requires full commitment, and players cannot afford to be distracted by the possibility of suspensions when focusing on an important match.

He stated that players must approach every challenge with maximum intensity, especially in a game of such significance. For Robertson, hesitation is not an option, and the team must commit fully to every tackle, pass, and decision on the pitch in order to achieve their objective.

When reminded during the press conference about the risk of suspension, Robertson humorously acknowledged that it had only just entered his mind at that moment. However, he quickly returned to his main point: Scotland must prioritize performance and result over individual caution.

He emphasized that the team will “go all in” in their final group match, fully aware of the stakes. According to him, Scotland’s focus must remain on producing a performance strong enough to create history by advancing further in the competition.

The fixture in Miami represents a significant opportunity for Scotland, who are aiming to make an impact on the global stage against one of football’s most successful nations. While the challenge is considerable, Robertson believes that belief and determination can help bridge the gap between the two teams.

The Scotland captain also highlighted the importance of unity within the squad, stressing that collective effort will be crucial if they are to compete effectively against Brazil’s technical quality and attacking strength.

As Scotland prepare for one of their most demanding matches of the tournament, Robertson’s comments reflect both realism and optimism. He recognizes the difficulty of the task ahead, particularly when facing a goalkeeper of Alisson’s calibre and a Brazilian side filled with world-class talent, but he remains confident that his team can rise to the occasion.

For Robertson personally, the match carries additional emotional complexity. Facing a close club teammate on such a significant international stage is a rare experience, but one he approaches with professionalism and competitive focus.

As kickoff approaches, Scotland’s hopes will rest on their ability to convert limited opportunities and withstand Brazil’s attacking pressure. And while Robertson may not be able to offer advice on how to beat Alisson Becker, he will be expected to lead by example in one of the biggest matches of his international career.