EXCLUSIVE: Charlie Adam's Scotland & World Cup Predictions
Scotland face arguably the biggest game in their recent history tonight as they take on Brazil in Miami, with a place in the World Cup knockout stages within touching distance for the first time since 1974.
Former Scotland international Charlie Adam, 26 caps for his country and a footballing career spanning Rangers, Blackpool, Liverpool and Stoke City, joined us on the morning of the game for a wide-ranging World Cup special.
He covered Scotland's chances against Brazil, the remarkable impact of the Tartan Army in the United States, his verdict on the greatest players of his generation, and his thoughts on what promises to be a fascinating Premier League season ahead.
Here's what Charlie had to say, and don't forget to check out the best World Cup Betting Sites, courtesy of Free Bets.
SCOTLAND'S WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN: "WE'RE STILL IN IT!"
Charlie is measured but optimistic about Scotland's position heading into tonight's game, pushing back on any suggestion the campaign has underdelivered.
"Each game has been totally different in terms of the expectation. To beat Haiti, that was done and that was great. Morocco was always going to be a tough game. I think a lot of people actually underestimate how good Morocco are, AFCON Champions, semi-finalists at the last World Cup. Saïbari's goal against Scotland was top level and he looks like he's going to get a big move to Bayern Munich."
Far from viewing the narrow Morocco defeat as a setback, Charlie sees it differently.
"People overreact at times to a result or performance. That one-nil defeat might actually end up helping us qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Last couple of tournaments we'd have been out by now, at least we're still in it. We've got an opportunity."
BRAZIL: "I ONLY EXPECT THEM TO GET BETTER!"
Charlie has a healthy respect for tonight's opponents despite their inconsistent start to the tournament.
"They hired Carlo Ancelotti, for the first time ever, not a Brazilian coach. That says something. They needed leadership, organisation, a character. Vinicius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, you could list a lot of players that have the quality to hurt you. I only expect this Brazilian team to get better as the World Cup goes on. They've got a world-class manager in the right place at the right time."
On how Scotland must approach tonight, he is clear-eyed.
"We can't go after Brazil, they'll open us up. We have to pick the right moments when to press, when to recover, when to go forward. We need eight or nine players to play at the top level for the whole game to get anything from it. But we have a great opportunity for the boys to go and make an impact at the World Cup."
THE TARTAN ARMY: "WE HAVE THE BEST FANS IN THE WORLD"
One of the defining stories of Scotland's World Cup has been the extraordinary reception the Tartan Army has received across the United States, and Charlie is bursting with pride.
"We have the best fans in the world and that's plain to see. We go, we enjoy it, we have a party. There was a letter sent from someone in Boston, I think the mayor or somebody, to the SFA to say how well the Scotland fans have behaved and how they've looked after people, going into local charities, churches, donating money to different places. As a former player and supporter, that's real pride. The social media is blowing up because of them and it's brilliant to see."
ANDY ROBERTSON: "ONE STAGE I FELT HE WAS THE BEST LEFT BACK IN THE WORLD"
Charlie reserves special praise for his compatriot Andy Robertson, who captains Scotland tonight.
"He's been amazing. His journey, Queen's Park, Dundee United, Hull, Liverpool, spending the years he spent there winning everything, it's a phenomenal achievement. One stage I felt he was the best left back in the world and he's had a phenomenal career. To captain Scotland at a World Cup has been something really special for him. He's been a real icon for Scottish football in terms of the levels and standards he's set, and he's gone way beyond what expectations were."
MESSI, RONALDO AND THE GOLDEN BOOT: THE DEBATE THAT WILL NEVER END
Turning to the wider tournament, Charlie offers a nuanced take on the greatest debate in football.
"Messi's just a genius. For me he's the greatest ever in terms of what I've seen. But Ronaldo scored in six World Cups, that's incredible. What's going to separate the two of them in the end is that Messi won the World Cup for his country. That probably just separates the two of them. We should be admiring these two players until they retire, what they're doing still is incredible."
On who collects the Golden Boot, Charlie has a firm view.
"I think Mbappé takes it. I think France get to the final and he'll be the one collecting it."
THE HYDRATION BREAKS: "I JUST WANT TO SEE 45 MINUTES, 45 MINUTES"
One of the most debated topics of this tournament has been the hydration breaks, and Charlie gives a refreshingly honest take from both sides.
"As a coach it's brilliant, you've got three minutes tactically to try and change things. But as a fan and as a player, I just want to see the game play 45 minutes, 45 minutes. Can you imagine in the Premier League on a December evening having a water break? It just wouldn't work. I'm traditional, I like to see the game stay the same."
LIVERPOOL'S NEW ERA: IRAOLA, MUÑOZ AND WHAT THEY STILL NEED
Charlie, who played for Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish, has a clear view of what lies ahead at Anfield under new manager Andoni Iraola.
"At the end of the season I was surprised when I saw Slot getting sacked. But when you dive into why, Liverpool lost nearly 20 games last year. So then I'm not surprised. Iraola impressed me a lot at Bournemouth, the high press, high intensity, incredible sprint distances. He's maximised every single player there. He's got good Premier League experience, which is key. But he's got to understand the difference, at Liverpool, if you draw a game at home, it's tough. I think it's a good appointment."
On the challenge of replacing Mohamed Salah, Charlie is direct.
"You're probably not going to be able to expect Muñoz to replace Mo Salah. Salah's incredible numbers, that's just top level. I still think they need three or four players. It's going to be a very different Liverpool next year, there's going to be a lot of changes."
AN EXCITING PREMIER LEAGUE: "IT'S GOING TO BE BRILLIANT NEXT SEASON"
Charlie is excited by the level of transition across the Premier League heading into next season.
"Arsenal are probably the only real stable top club right now. Man City and Chelsea have both changed their coach, Xabi Alonso coming in at Chelsea. Aston Villa could have a big season. Liverpool will look very different. It's going to be an interesting, brilliant Premier League. A lot of change, and change might be good for all these clubs."
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