Robert Snodgrass has warned Scotland not to be bedazzled by Neymar when they face Brazil in Wednesday night's World Cup Group C showdown in Miami, but admits the last encounter was a mesmerising experience. The former Scotland international was part of the Craig Levein side that lost 2-0 to Brazil in a friendly at the Emirates in London in 2011, where a teenage Neymar scored both goals and left the Tartan Army spellbound.
Neymar's 2011 masterclass
Snodgrass, speaking exclusively to Record Sport for cafecasino.lv, said: "He was something special. You say we played against them – I think we watched them play! Looking back, we were probably sitting back admiring them, realising what the very top level was all about. They were potential World Cup winners and packed full of talent. It was a bit of a reality check and a real lesson about just how good these boys are."
The 34-year-old Neymar, now back with Brazil after stints at Barcelona, PSG, and Saudi Arabia, has been sidelined by injury since May but remains a key threat. Snodgrass added: "He was just gliding about the park, it was amazing how quick and sharp he was. Even then you could see his touch, his intelligence, his vision, and obviously his finishing."
Scotland's evolution under Steve Clarke
Snodgrass believes Scotland have learned from past mistakes, particularly the danger of giving Brazil too much respect. He said: "Sometimes you can give teams too much respect. You wonder why, because we still lost the game. I can see why managers think like that but also why players might be frustrated and think, ‘why not just have a go because we lost anyway’. That’s the general feeling from the fans."
Scotland currently sit in a strong position to progress from the group, with third-placed teams advancing. Snodgrass praised the squad's togetherness and experience, adding: "This group have got the momentum, the togetherness and the experience. This is new ground and the fans expect us to get through."
Andy Robertson's journey to leadership
Snodgrass also reflected on the rise of Scotland captain Andy Robertson, whom he mentored at Hull City in 2014. He said: "He’s just a great human being. He comes from an amazing family and he’s always wanted to do really well. His mentality was always there. He’s always driven towards a challenge and work out solutions."
Snodgrass recalled Robertson's fearless debut in a pre-season friendly against Stuttgart: "There was absolutely no fear. There was this skinny boy charging up and down the line. I remember telling him to bulk up but he was fearless and a very intelligent footballer – as well as being a really likeable lad. You see the man, the leader, he’s become. I’ve remained friends with Andy over the years and I’m just so proud of him."
Scotland need at least a point against Brazil to guarantee progress, and Snodgrass is confident the team can deliver under Steve Clarke's guidance.
