Greg Taylor etched his name into the history books when he struck the decisive goal in a shock 1-0 win over Brazil at the Toulon Tournament in 2017. Remarkably, it remains the only time a men's national team have ever beaten the South Americans. The only other Scots to have toppled Brazil came courtesy of the women's side in April 2019.
Taylor's Unique Record
Now, ex-Celtic star Taylor is hoping someone else can step into the spotlight and create their own slice of history in Wednesday night's blockbuster World Cup Group C finale in Miami. Steve Clarke's heroes can book their place in the knockout stages for the first time if results go their way. But they will need to avoid defeat, or anything heavy, against the five-time world champions.
Taylor – now starring at Greek outfit PAOK – would happily trade his one-of-a-kind claim if Scotland could pull off another famous night against the Samba stars. Asked if he'll still be the last men's player to score a winner against Brazil, Taylor told Sky Sports: "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."
The Winning Goal
Taylor recalled the goal: "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. 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."
Preparing for Brazil
Scotland were rocked in their last outing when they conceded after just 70 seconds against Morocco. Taylor insists Grant Hanley and co will have to be on their toes from the first whistle as they prepare to cope with Brazil's galaxy of stars. The 14-times capped defender said: "You know you need to be alert. A timely reminder we lost a goal early on the other night, so that tells you everything. There's not a second where you can't be fully focused and ready, especially against the likes of Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, I know he's now injured."
"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. I think we're in a good place to get a result and hopefully for the boys to create history."
Blueprint for Success
Taylor added: "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. As the game went on the other night we looked more of a threat. Again 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."
