"We are going there to get a result..." Lawrence Shankland Insists Scotland Focused Only On Beating Brazil

Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has insisted that Steve Clarke's side will not be distracted by the complex qualification scenarios surrounding Group C and are focused entirely on trying to defeat Brazil in their final World Cup group-stage match.

The Scots head into Wednesday's showdown at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium) knowing they are still in control of their fate after a 1-0 victory over Haiti and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

While a draw would almost certainly secure a place in the knockout rounds and other results could potentially allow them to progress even with a defeat, Shankland says Scotland's mindset is clear.

Their objective is to beat Brazil.

"We are going there to get a result," the Rangers forward said, as quoted by denbighshirefreepress.co.uk.

"We have given ourselves an opportunity to go and get that."

"Obviously a draw will probably be enough to take us through but we are going to try and win the game, first and foremost and if we can take a point, then we will take that."

The significance of the occasion is not lost on Scotland's players. A victory over the five-time world champions would guarantee qualification and represent one of the greatest results in Scottish football history.

Shankland acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge awaiting Clarke's side but believes Scotland have earned the right to compete for a place in the Round of 32 after their performances in the opening two matches.

"We missed out against Morocco and we know we've got a big chance against Brazil," he said.

"As you say it will be a tough challenge, they are a quality squad, a good team and we will need to be at our best to get something out of it."

Brazil arrive in Miami sitting top of Group C after following up their opening draw against Morocco with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have gradually found rhythm in the tournament and could also welcome back Neymar after the forward recovered from the calf injury that ruled him out of the opening two matches.

For many players of Shankland's generation, Brazil remain the nation most synonymous with the World Cup, and the Scotland striker admitted facing the Seleção still carries a special significance.

"For me, if you think of the World Cup, Brazil are the first team that comes to your mind," he said.

"The first team I remember proper watching the World Cup and them winning it."

"We know the challenge of that but what we need to do is concentrate on our jobs on the pitch."

Much of the pre-match attention in Miami will centre on Neymar's possible return. The Brazilian superstar has resumed training and could play for the first time in the tournament.

However, Shankland believes Scotland cannot afford to become distracted by the occasion or by one individual player.

"He is obviously an iconic figure for the Brazilians," Shankland said as quoted by  BBC Sport  .

"You know how well he has done in his career, you know how good a player he is."

"For me, he is up the other end of the pitch, the defenders will need to deal with him."

"It is just the noise around it. As I said, he is iconic to Brazil and we will leave the excitement up to them."

One area Scotland will be eager to improve is their attacking output. Clarke's side have scored only once in two matches and have managed just two shots on target across the tournament so far.

Despite those numbers, Shankland remains confident that opportunities will come if Scotland can remain disciplined and execute their game plan.

"I am craving more than one chance to be honest, hopefully we'll get a few," he said.

"As a striker, everybody talks about those moments in front of goal and hopefully as a team, whether that's for me or somebody else, we can create hopefully one or more clear-cut chance to punish the opposition and that's all we can look to do in this game."

With qualification still within reach and a meeting against one of football's most decorated nations awaiting, Scotland enter the final round of Group C fixtures determined to focus on the task directly in front of them.

For Shankland and his teammates, the calculations can wait. The only objective is finding a way to beat Brazil.