Scotland captain Andy Robertson has spent eight years alongside Brazil goalkeeper Alisson at Liverpool and admits he can count on one hand the number of goals he has scored against him in training. That makes it tough to pass on tips to his national teammates as they prepare to face Brazil at the World Cup in Miami.
Robertson rates Alisson as world's best
Robertson rates Alisson as the best goalkeeper in the world right now. That is not good news for Steve Clarke's side, who have struggled to get a shot on target so far in the tournament against Haiti and Morocco. To guarantee qualification to the last 32, Scotland could do with finding a goal or two against Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side.
Robertson is praying his Liverpool pal does not keep another clean sheet against the Scots. In fact, he wants Alisson to have one of his worst nights at Hard Rock Stadium. But given that Alisson has conceded only 36 goals in 80 games for Brazil, that might be more in hope than expectation.
Robertson's admiration and hope
"He's the best keeper in the world," Robertson said. "I've been very lucky to play with Ali for the last eight years. In big moments, Ali was always there for us. Even when our defence was at its best, sometimes teams would get through. But we could always rely on Ali to go and make the saves."
"He's an unbelievable goalkeeper and even better person. He's someone I admire so much, him and his family. I'm lucky to be close to them because they're fantastic people. But I really hope he's picking the ball out of his net a couple of times on Wednesday - more than I'm used to!"
Robertson's shooting not up to scratch
Robertson joked that his teammates are unlikely to take advice from him on how to beat Alisson. "I'd like to think the squad respects me, but I'm not sure how much they respect my shooting," he said. "I don't think they'll take any advice off me on how to beat Alisson. I've trained with him for eight years and I can count on one hand how many I've scored against him in training. I've certainly not cracked it yet!"
"But when our strikers come to shoot, hopefully they can get the better of him. When a chance comes, hopefully we can take it. We're coming up against the best keeper in the world. But we have to believe we can score against Brazil. If we don't, there's no point showing up."
Facing Brazil's attacking threats
As a full-back, Robertson will have to face some of Brazil's most dangerous wide players in Miami. The talk in Ancelotti's camp of an emotional return for 34-year-old Neymar has got Brazilian fans excited. But if not Neymar, it could be Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr or Endrick, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, or Manchester United's Matheus Cunha.
Robertson has played against them all in the Premier League or Champions League and won't be fazed. "It's not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinicius Jr, Endrick, or Martinelli," he said. "I could go on and name every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality. Even when you look at the players they've left at home."
"It's up to Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare the best we can but they have quality in every position - as well as the players coming on. That's what we're up against, one of the best teams in the world."
Tartan Army's impact
Robertson also praised the Scotland fans, who drank Boston dry of Sam Adams lager during the group stage. He hopes they can do the same in Miami if Scotland beat Brazil. "These are the questions I like!" he said. "I've always said our fans are the best in the world. Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them."
"The people of Boston are gutted the Tartan Army has left. Now, they've come down to Miami and are trying to make the same impact. Come Wednesday night, if we manage to beat Brazil - I'm sure a couple of beers will be drank, that's for sure."
