Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Scotland’s Greg Taylor holds a truly unique distinction in the history of British football, having scored the only winning goal a men’s national side has ever netted against Brazil.
Taylor struck the decisive effort in a stunning 1-0 victory over the Selecao at the Toulon Tournament back in 2017, a result that still stands alone in the record books.
Now playing for Greek club PAOK, the former Celtic defender is eagerly hoping one of Steve Clarke’s current squad can eclipse that moment on Wednesday night in Miami.
Scotland face Brazil in a blockbuster World Cup Group C finale, with a place in the knockout stages potentially on the line for Clarke’s men.
Taylor told Sky Sports he would gladly give up his unique claim if Scotland could pull off another famous result against the South Americans.
Asked if he would still be the last men’s player to score a winner against Brazil, Taylor said: “I certainly hope not!”
“It would be amazing if one of the boys can manage to, first of all score against Brazil – that would be an amazing achievement in itself. But if we can score and win, it would be a highlight for us all back home watching.”
Taylor reflected warmly on his 2017 goal, crediting the pace of Oliver Burke as a key factor in creating the historic moment.
“Big Oliver Burke was our talisman and captain at that point and, as he still is now, was too fast for half the boys he was playing against,” Taylor said.
“He managed to get himself down the line and I just snuck on the inside, rattled it hoping to bang it on target and I was lucky enough it went in. I don’t score many, so to get one against Brazil was definitely a highlight of my career so far.”
Scotland were given a brutal reminder of the margins at this level when they conceded after just 70 seconds against Morocco in their previous match.
Taylor, who has earned 14 caps for his country, stressed that Grant Hanley and the defensive unit cannot afford a single lapse in concentration against Brazil’s array of attacking talent.
“You know you need to be alert. A timely reminder we lost a goal early on the other night, so that tells you everything,” Taylor said.
He identified Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, who has since picked up an injury, as the most dangerous threats Scotland will need to manage throughout the contest.
“These types of players are playing at the highest level of football but so are some of our players and they will lead by example and the other players will follow their example,” Taylor added.
Taylor suggested that the tactical approach used against Morocco could serve as a useful template for Wednesday’s match against the five-time world champions.
“The blueprint of Morocco isn’t too far away from what we’ll be trying to do, the boys will understand Brazil are likely to have more of the ball but it’s about the moments when we have the ball, can we hurt Brazil,” he said.
He also highlighted the impact Scotland’s substitutes have made across the tournament so far, believing that contribution from the bench will again prove crucial in Miami.
“The key aspect in the first two games is the subs have made a real impact and I think that will be vital again on Wednesday, so no matter who starts the game or finishes it all 16 will have played a part,” Taylor concluded.
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