Football Bet of the Day: Scotland’s Scott to skewer the Selecao

Scotland face Brazil on Wednesday with a place in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup up for grabs (11pm BST, 6pm local, BBC One & iPlayer). Even if Steve Clarke’s men fall short, they can still progress due to the expanded 48-team format allowing the eight best third-placed teams to qualify from their groups.

But beyond the permutations, I have dug deeper to find a Football Bet of the Day. Come along, whether you’re Tartan Army, a Selecao supporter or a neutral who wants to come and have a go.

Scotland vs Brazil Odds

This was the game that the members of the Tartan Army circled before the 2026 World Cup had even begun. After Scotland’s 28 year absence from the international showpiece, no opponent feels as quintessentially ‘World Cup’ as Brazil.

That reputation was forged when the wider world was treated to the supernatural talents of Pele and the boys in 1958 and 1962. Reinforced in 1970, when the Selecao scooped their third title with perhaps their finest lineup yet. Brazil lifted the title again in 1994 with Romario and 2002 with Ronaldinho. 

Even when they didn’t win the trophy, Brazil were usually the story. No fan who experienced the will-he or won’t-he Ronaldo drama before the 1998 final against France will ever forget the fever.

It has been 24 years since the Canarinho have triumphed at the tournament they once dominated. But there is still no side who represents this wonderful competition quite so completely. Brazil is the World Cup. No pressure then, Clarkey. 

Scotland will be keenly aware of the scale of the occasion. The pessimists among the Tartan Army will have feared this match embodying a dead rubber as their beloved team headed for the exits. But an opening win over Haiti has left knockout qualification as a distinct possibility, even in spite of the 1-0 loss to Morocco in their second outing.

Scotland can draw here and progress. They can even lose and progress, though doing so would lead to some nervous time spent with the calculator app, sweatily crunching the numbers. A win, of course, would send Scotland top of the group and into the next round on a wave of momentum.

This is a defining 90 minutes for Scotland. Nobody has epitomised this vibrant, modern team more than Scott McTominay. The imposing goal-getter was once miscast as an awkward and unsure defensive midfielder at Manchester United. Scott has since been reborn as a marauding box-to-box presence at Napoli. Who could have imagined Naples would provide the optimum footballing environment for both Diego Maradona and Scott McTominay?

The 29-year-old has cracked double figures in both his Serie A seasons. The goal frenzy has carried over to the international scene too. After scoring just once in his first 37 caps, McTominay has netted 14 times in his following 35 appearances. The physically imposing Napoli star is ready for his close-up.

What better way to write your name into the annals of Scottish football history than bagging against Brazil? Bloody Brazil. I am not here to speak on the result or the progression of Clarke’s brave boys. I am merely your humble conduit for the Football Bet of the Day. My friends, today I choose history. Today, I choose immortality. At 5/1 to score anytime, today I choose Scott McTominay.

Click here for the latest Football Odds

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.