Former Scotland international Robert Snodgrass has opened up about the last time Scotland faced Brazil, a match that left him and his teammates visibly stunned.
The two nations collided in a friendly at the Emirates in London back in 2011, and the occasion will live long in the memory of everyone who witnessed it.
Before kick-off, a recently returned Ronaldo walked out onto the pitch to wave to the crowd, setting the tone for a night full of spectacle and star power.
Scotland were beaten 2-0 that evening, with a teenage Neymar scoring both goals and running rings around Craig Levein’s squad from first whistle to last.
Snodgrass recalled that the squad had already heard the hype surrounding the Brazilian prodigy, who had been tearing it up with Santos and was being chased by Chelsea and Roman Abramovic’s billions.
“He was something special,” Snodgrass said. “You say we played against them — I think we watched them play!”
The former midfielder admitted the experience was as humbling as it was thrilling, with Scotland left admiring opponents who looked like genuine World Cup contenders.
“It was a bit of a reality check and a real lesson about just how good these boys are,” Snodgrass said, reflecting on how eye-opening the night truly was.
“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.”
Now 34 years old and returning from injury, Neymar lines up once more against Scotland, this time at the World Cup in Miami in a Group C fixture on Wednesday night.
Steve Clarke’s side come into the match having already made history simply by reaching the tournament, and the mood among supporters remains one of genuine belief.
Snodgrass noted that while Neymar has had injury troubles in recent years, his career record still places him just behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the last two decades.
“You look at the current Brazil team and although he’s back, there’s maybe not that many like he was younger,” Snodgrass observed, suggesting Scotland face a different proposition to the one in 2011.
He also warned that Scotland must avoid falling into the trap of over-respecting the opposition, a mistake that can cost teams dearly at major tournaments.
“There could be,” Snodgrass said when asked about the danger of giving too much reverence to Brazil’s reputation rather than the players actually on the pitch.
“That’s the general feeling from the fans. Scotland got off to a great start and the fans have taken over the World Cup.”
Snodgrass reserved special praise for captain Andy Robertson, whom he first encountered when the left-back arrived at Hull City from Dundee United back in 2014.
“There was absolutely no fear. There was this skinny boy charging up and down the line,” he recalled fondly of Robertson’s early days in the game.
“I’ve remained friends with Andy over the years and I’m just so proud of him and what he has achieved personally and for Scotland and there could be more to come.”
Scotland sit in a strong position knowing that third-placed teams can still progress, but Snodgrass believes Clarke’s experienced squad has everything needed to seal qualification on their own terms.
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