Three Brazilian players at risk of World Cup bans

Brazil have strengthened their position in the World Cup group stage. The Seleção, who are at the top of Group C with 4 points after two matches, now aim to gain points from the final match against Scotland. However, along with securing a win, coach Carlo Ancelotti is worried about the possible bans of three key players.

Ibanez, Casemiro and Douglas Santos - these three players saw one yellow card each in the draw against Morocco and the win against Haiti. According to FIFA's new rules, if each of them sees another yellow card in the match against Scotland, they will be banned and off the field for the next match, i.e. the first match of the knockout stage.

According to the new rules of the football governing body, the accumulated yellow cards of players will be erased in two stages. After the group stage ends, when the knockout stage or the second stage begins, the previous cards will be canceled. The calculation of the players' cards will start again even before the quarter-final match begins.

That is, the match against Scotland is a very cautious one for these three players. If they see a card in this match, they will have to miss a match in the knockout stage. This could cause a major tactical crisis for Brazil. FIFA has made this change to the yellow card and penalty rules mainly because of the increase in the number of matches in the World Cup.

A draw against Scotland on June 24 in Miami will ensure Brazil's top two and a win will almost guarantee them the chance of becoming the group champion. However, whether these three players will be used in the match to avoid the risk of suspension or will be rested to avoid the card count is currently being analyzed by the coaching panel. The Seleção will certainly not want to lose their best players before the important knockout stage.

Now it remains to be seen how Ancelotti will balance this suspension and victory when he takes the field against Scotland.