My grandfather helped Brazil develop its footballing skills
· Yahoo Sports
If Brazil gets the better of Scotland at the World Cup, one man in East Dunbartonshire might have to reflect on his unusual family connection to their success.
Malcolm McLean's grandfather moved to Brazil in the early 20th Century, where he became involved in the game during its early development.
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"My grandfather, Archie McLean, is in all the history books of Brazilian football," he said.
Archie lived in Paisley and, before moving to Brazil, played for a number of clubs including Ayr, Galston and Johnstone, winning the Consolation Cup in 1912.
He moved to São Paulo through his work as a mechanic with the textile company J & P Coats, initially expecting to stay only briefly.
Instead, he became involved in football and helped form a team known as the Scottish Wanderers, who competed in the São Paulo State League.
'I learned a lot from him'
"He's credited with introducing what they call the 'tabelinha', which was Scotland's short passing game," Malcolm said.
His on-pitch performances also earned him the nickname "Veadinho", or "little deer".
At a time before a national team had been established, Archie was selected to play for the São Paulo state side, indicating his standing within the sport in the region.
He continued to be involved in football in Brazil into the 1920s before later returning to Scotland. He died in 1971.
Malcolm, who was born in Brazil, also made his way back to Scotland at a time of political unrest.
"I lived there permanently until I was 10," he said. "I was sent to Scotland to school, partly to get me away from national service. There was a very nasty military regime in power in Brazil at the time."
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Just as Archie had played a key role in the development of Brazilian football, he also had a similar influence on Malcolm, becoming his guardian.
"I actually knew him better than my own father, I have to say, because I lived with him in my formative teenage years," Malcolm said.
"I was always curious about his football in the past and I learned a lot from him. I think he is part of me, helped to form me."
Malcolm went on to study architecture in Glasgow before getting married and settling in Lenzie.
Malcolm was speaking at an event at Glasgow Central Station which saw a flash mob performance organised by the Brazilian consulate to celebrate the cultural links between Scotland and Brazil ahead of their World Cup clash.
He also maintains a strong connection to the country's culture and music.
"I was brought up with all that music going on all around me in Brazil and I just love it. It keeps me in touch with it," he said.
Malcolm frequently returns to Brazil and will be flying out on Wednesday for the World Cup.
Although he said his "standard uniform is a Brazil top and a kilt", there are no doubts where his loyalties will lie on 24 June when the two nations meet.
"When Scotland plays Brazil, I support Scotland," he said.
Malcolm is humble about his connection to his grandfather's role in shaping modern football.
"I just feel pride for Scotland. Not for me - I've done nothing," he said.
Looking at Brazil's current prospects, he said there were some similarities with past tournaments.
"They've also got some world-class players, but I always remember that in 1970, when Brazil had that fabulous World Cup win in Mexico, they actually went to Mexico in a complete shambles," he said.
"And in Brazil they're regarded as being in a shambles now, so there might be a parallel, you know? I'm just hoping for the best."