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Ben Gannon-Doak showed flashes vs Haiti, but wasn't selected vs Morocco. | Credit: Getty Images
Steve Clarke's side have three points from their first two group games after following up a 1-0 win over Haiti with a narrow defeat by the same scoreline against Morocco . A draw would guarantee a place in the last-32, and Charlie Adam believes that Ben Gannon-Doak's inclusion will be key if Scotland wants to avoid conceding in the first couple of minutes again.
Speaking exclusively to Freebets.com
, Adam said: "We can't concede again after 70 seconds. We need to start the game better and give ourselves a platform and an organisational structure to build into the game. Second half against Morocco
we were much better — we managed to progress.
"But we have to be a threat at the top end of the pitch. That's why I believe Ben Gannon-Doak will start — he gives us that electric pace in the wide areas, he gets us up the pitch, and provides a threat in behind."
Gannon-Doak is a practicing Christian | Credit: Getty Images
"I think they were a wee bit cautious with him against Morocco — not playing a lot this year, back-to-back games quite quickly — but they've looked after him with an eye on that Brazil game, and that's really important for us. He will be a huge asset if he's back fit and available — his speed and power to get us up the pitch, stretch the Brazilians, and be a threat on the counterattack.
"The senior boys are key tonight. If they perform to a level, it gives everybody else around them an opportunity to improve and get better.
Tonight's game is a repeat of the 1998 World Cup opener which Scotland lost 2-1 | Credit: Alamy
" Lawrence Shankland will play — he allows us to be a bit more solid in terms of link play and hold-up. Che Adams ' best attribute is running behind. If we get Shankland coming short and we can get runners, maybe Findlay Curtis on one side or one of the experienced players like John McGinn and Scott McTominay , we could have some success. We have to be a threat with the ball as well and try to be better with it."
The former Liverpool midfielder also spoke about where the key threats lie in this Brazil team, and is backing them to improve even more as the tournament wears on.
"That midfield will be really crucial — Casemiro , Bruno Guimarães , Lucas Paquetá. But at the top end of the pitch, they've got an array of talent. Vinicius Júnior , Matheus Cunha , Gabriel Martinelli , Endrick — you could list a lot of players that have the quality to hurt you. They're probably not firing as well as everybody thought, but they are top of the group with four points. For these top nations, it's about getting through the first phase and then seeing where the rest goes, and I only expect this Brazilian team to get better as the World Cup goes on .
"We have to make an impact on them like Morocco did. If we can do that, it gives us an opportunity. We can't just sit in and defend — we need to put them under pressure and hopefully get a bit of luck, maybe a set play or a counterattack opportunity."
Whatever happens tonight, the Tartan Army have captivated the hearts of many across the pond, and Adam explained the impact which they have had on the biggest stage.
"We have the best fans in the world, and that's plain to see. We go, we enjoy it, we have a party, we drink everything, and we have a good time. The Tartan Army have just done that over the years, and I think the Americans have enjoyed it. Scotland fans have looked after people, gone into local charities, churches, and donated money to different places.
"As a former player and as a supporter, that's real pride — knowing our fans are going there, behaving, looking after the city, and having a brilliant time. Social media is blowing up because of them, and it's brilliant to see. It's important that you go there, enjoy it, but respect the country you're in. The Brazilians and the Scotland fans will mix very well — they both enjoy a party, and it'll be an amazing atmosphere tonight."
