Scotland face what could be the defining moment in their football history when they take on Brazil in Miami on Wednesday — and the most remarkable part of the story may be that they can reach the knockout rounds regardless of the scoreline.

Steve Clarke's side have been struggling for attacking output. They have managed no shots on target in their last game and a half, with only two on-target efforts across the entire tournament so far. Striker Che Adams has had just three touches inside the opposition penalty area over 146 minutes. Their only goal — a double deflection scored inside the opening 30 minutes against Morocco — speaks to how little Scotland have threatened in front of goal.

A historic opportunity, whatever the result

The numbers are damning. Taking the last European Championship into account, Scotland have recorded just five shots on target across their last five tournament matches. Their three goals in those five games arrived via two deflected shots and one own goal. Against Morocco on Friday, they failed to register a single shot on target — the first time that had happened to them at a World Cup since 1986.

And yet the mathematics of this expanded World Cup mean that progressing as one of the best third-placed sides remains firmly within reach, even if Scotland were to lose to Brazil. No Scottish side has ever made it out of a World Cup group stage. That could change this week — win, draw, or defeat.

A victory over Brazil would be the stuff of legend. A draw would trigger celebrations across the Tartan Army. Even a narrow defeat, if results elsewhere fall favourably, could send Scotland into the last 32 for the very first time.

Clarke under fire, but the critics may be missing the point

Clarke has taken criticism for what some have called a cautious approach against Morocco — this despite the fact that Scotland ended that match with a front line of Lyndon Dykes, Ross Stewart, Scott McTominay, and Ben Gannon-Doak. His critics, it seems, are difficult to satisfy.

Demanding that Scotland go all out from the first whistle against Brazil would be to play directly into the hands of a team with searing pace on the flanks and world-class finishing. Spain led Saudi Arabia 3-0 after 24 minutes in one group game. Brazil had Haiti 3-0 before half-time in another. The evidence for caution is substantial.