42 days to the World Cup: Scotland hoping fifth time is the charm against Brazil

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Scotland will take part in its ninth World Cup this summer and will see a familiar foe in the group stage for a record-tying fifth time.

The Scots are back for the first time since 1998. The 28-year wait was the country's longest between World Cups, having previously missed three tournaments between 1958 and 1974 and one between 1990 and 1998.

And like they did in 1974, 1982, 1990, and 1998, Scotland was drawn into the same group with global powerhouse Brazil. Over their World Cup history, Scotland has played 23 matches and won just four of them. None of those four victories have come against the Seleção, who have three wins and a draw in their previous meetings.

Brazil (four times), Uruguay and Yugoslavia (twice) are the only countries Scotland has played more than twice in a World Cup.

"Bring it on," said Scotland coach Steve Clarke to BBC Scotland following December’s World Cup draw. "Brazil, especially in a World Cup, is going to be a special occasion. The Brazilian fans are great, but the Tartan Army's pretty special as well. We're going to bring a little bit of magic as well, hopefully. It's great to play them."

Scotland and Brazil first met in the World Cup during the 1974 group stage, a nil-nil draw. That was the closest they would get to beating the now-five-time world champions. Eight years later, Brazil would win 4-1. Another eight years later, at Italia ‘90, it was Müller's goal late in the match that would break the Scots' hearts with a 1-0 final.