"A very difficult game..." Brazil Stars Warn Against Scotland Complacency Ahead Of Group C Decider

Brazil's players have moved to dismiss any suggestion of complacency ahead of their crucial World Cup meeting with Scotland, with both Gabriel Martinelli and Lucas Paquetá stressing the respect the Seleção have for Steve Clarke's side before Wednesday's Group C finale in Miami.

Carlo Ancelotti's men currently sit top of Group C on four points after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before responding with an impressive 3-0 victory over Haiti.

Scotland, meanwhile, remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds despite their narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

With qualification and potentially top spot in the group at stake, Brazil's squad is approaching the encounter with caution.

Speaking at the team's base in New Jersey, Arsenal forward Martinelli described Scotland as a difficult opponent capable of causing problems for any side in the tournament.

"It will definitely be a very difficult game," Martinelli said as quoted by Yahoo Sports.

"They have a lot of quality players. They will definitely come at us with everything to try to beat us, but we've been training hard and preparing as well. It's going to be a great match, and I hope we can come away with the win."

Brazil know that victory at Hard Rock Stadium would significantly strengthen their chances of finishing top of Group C. The Seleção currently lead Morocco on goal difference and are keen to avoid surrendering first place heading into the knockout rounds.

Martinelli admitted that finishing as group winners carries practical advantages beyond simply securing qualification.

"We want to go to Miami and win the game so we can qualify in first place," he explained.

"Staying here at the hotel with all the facilities we have is much better. If we qualify in second, we have to go to Mexico and that changes the whole schedule. Our mentality is to win and stay here because of all the benefits we have."

Brazil have been based at The Ridge Hotel in New Jersey since arriving in the United States, with the facility reserved exclusively for the national team. The setup has allowed Ancelotti and his staff to maintain a consistent routine throughout the tournament.

Martinelli also highlighted the positive atmosphere inside the camp, describing the unity within the squad as an important factor behind Brazil's performances so far.

"Everyone is always together, joking around, teasing each other," he said.

"That makes the atmosphere really light. If everyone is doing well off the pitch, everything will work out."

The Arsenal winger also reiterated his willingness to play wherever required by Ancelotti, despite naturally preferring his role on the left side of attack.

"If he asks me to play right-back, I'll say, 'of course, Mister,'" Martinelli joked.

Paquetá previously had echoed his teammate's sentiments and insisted Brazil will not underestimate a Scotland side still chasing a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.

"All the teams at the World Cup deserve respect," Paquetá said as quoted by ESPN.

"You have to study them and prepare as best as possible to face them. We have great respect for Scotland, but we also know we need to play our game and follow what the coach asks of us."

"Regardless of the opponent, our goal in every match is to win."

The midfielder also addressed developments within the Brazilian squad, including Neymar's return to training after recovering from a calf injury.

The 34-year-old has yet to feature at the tournament but is now back working with the group ahead of the Scotland match.

"We're all very happy to see him training and back on the pitch with us," Paquetá said.

"Neymar is a very important player for the Brazilian national team. He has an extraordinary history with this shirt and he can still help us a lot."

Brazil will, however, be without Raphinha after the Barcelona winger suffered a hamstring injury against Haiti. His absence is a significant setback given his recent form for club and country.

Paquetá revealed the squad has rallied around the forward during his recovery.

"Right now he has the support of the whole group," he said.

"He's a guy who works really hard and I'm sure he'll do everything possible to come back as soon as he can. He's coming off some extraordinary seasons and has grown a lot with the national team as well."

With Scotland fighting for survival and Brazil targeting first place, Wednesday's clash promises to be one of the most significant matches of Group C. Judging by the messages coming from the Brazilian camp, Ancelotti's players are expecting nothing less than a fierce test in Miami.