Andy Robertson has teased Alisson ahead of Scotland’s match against Brazil, but the left-back still found time to remind everyone “he’s the best ‘keeper in the world.”
As well as being a fantastic full-back, one of the traits that endeared Robertson to Liverpool supporters was his sense of humour; nobody is above some gentle teasing.
Despite the pressure on Scotland’s captain going into the final World Cup group match, he was light-hearted enough to joke that he hopes Alisson “is picking the ball out of his net a couple of times” on Wednesday night.
“He’s the best ‘keeper in the world,” Robertson told the press (h/t the Herald).
“I’ve been very lucky to play with Ali for the last eight years. In big moments, Ali was always there for us.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 23, 2022: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker(L) and Andy Robertson during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 6-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“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.
“I really hope he’s picking the ball out of his net a couple of times on Wednesday – more than I’m used to – but he’s the best in the world and has been now for so many years.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and as a man. But let’s hope against us he doesn’t keep a clean sheet.”
Don’t take Robertson’s advice on scoring past Alisson!
Scotland's Andy Robertson following the FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Boston Stadium, Foxborough. Picture date: Friday June 19, 2026.
As great as Alisson is, after playing together 274 times across eight years, you may think Robertson would have picked up some tips on how to beat the big Brazilian – apparently not.
The 32-year-old was asked if he had been advising his Scottish teammates in preparation for their clash, only for Robertson to reply: “I’d like to think the squad respect me, but I’m not sure how much they respect my shooting so much!
“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 hand how many I’ve scored against him at 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. That’s our aim.
“If we can do that hopefully it can be a big night for our country, but we know how difficult the task is and the team we’re playing against.
“They have world-class individual quality in every position.”
For Scotland to reach the last 32, they ideally need four points, something a draw against Brazil would achieve.
World Cup 2026: Group C Standings
Team PTS GD GF
Brazil 4 +3 4
Morocco 4 +1 2
Scotland 3 0 1
Haiti 0 -4 0
*After two games
However, a loss would mean they finish on three points and goal difference could be the decider as to whether they progress as one of the eight best third-place teams.
Meanwhile, Brazil will likely need a win to top the group, as Morocco face Haiti in the night’s other fixture.
Scotland vs. Brazil kicks off at 11pm (BST) on Wednesday night, with the match broadcast from Miami on BBC 1.