Vinicius lights up Miami as Brazil sweep Scotland and march into knockout stage
Key Points(5)
- Brazil’s march through the World Cup group stage continued in commanding fashion on Wednesday as Vinicius Junior produced another dazzling display to guide the five-time champions into the last 32.
- The Real Madrid forward scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0, confirming their position as Group C winners and extending their unbeaten run in the tournament.
- The victory also strengthened Vinicius’ growing reputation as one of the competition’s standout performers.
- With goals in all three group matches, Vinicius has now scored four times at the tournament, placing him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot alongside global stars such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe.
- Brazil will now travel to Houston, Texas, for their last-32 encounter on June 29, where they will face the runners-up from Group F, a position still to be decided among the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.
Brazil’s march through the World Cup group stage continued in commanding fashion on Wednesday as Vinicius Junior produced another dazzling display to guide the five-time champions into the last 32.
The Real Madrid forward scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0, confirming their position as Group C winners and extending their unbeaten run in the tournament. The victory also strengthened Vinicius’ growing reputation as one of the competition’s standout performers.
With goals in all three group matches, Vinicius has now scored four times at the tournament, placing him among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot alongside global stars such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe.
Brazil will now travel to Houston, Texas, for their last-32 encounter on June 29, where they will face the runners-up from Group F, a position still to be decided among the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden.
Defensive errors open the door for Brazil’s early breakthrough
Scotland entered the match needing a result but quickly found themselves punished by their own mistakes.
The breakthrough arrived just minutes into the contest when a costly error inside the Scottish penalty area allowed Brazil to strike. Defender Scott McKenna hesitated while attempting to play out from the back, and Rayan capitalized by winning possession before delivering the opportunity to Vinicius.
The Brazilian attacker made no mistake, rounding goalkeeper Angus Gunn and calmly finishing to put the Selecao ahead.
It was another painful start for Scotland, who had already conceded early in their previous match against Morocco. The recurring defensive problems once again left Steve Clarke’s team chasing the game.
Brazil nearly doubled their advantage midway through the opening half after Vinicius forced another mistake, this time capitalizing on pressure against Jack Hendry. The forward finished the chance, but a VAR review ruled that he had clipped Hendry’s leg during the move, denying him a second goal.
The warning, however, was clear: Scotland were struggling to contain Brazil’s attacking pressure.
Vinicius strikes again before the break
Brazil continued to control the match, and their patience eventually produced another reward.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Vinicius found the net again after Scotland once more failed to protect possession near their own goal. Andy Robertson’s pass was intercepted inside the box, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to create the chance.
The Newcastle United midfielder delivered the cross, and Vinicius rose to head home, sending Brazil into halftime with a commanding two-goal cushion.
The double meant Vinicius joined an elite group of Brazilian players, becoming the first Selecao star since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in every group-stage match at a World Cup.
Cunha adds the finishing touch as Brazil cruise
Scotland needed a dramatic turnaround after the interval, but Brazil remained firmly in control.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn prevented Vinicius from completing his hat-trick shortly after the restart, but the pressure continued.
Eventually, Matheus Cunha added Brazil’s third goal in the 60th minute, finishing after a clever setup from Guimaraes. It was Cunha’s third goal of the tournament and another reminder of Brazil’s attacking depth.
The Selecao could have extended their advantage even further, with Scotland struggling to create meaningful chances.
Scotland left waiting as Brazil celebrate Neymar’s return
Although the result left Scotland facing another possible early World Cup exit, they continued to fight for a crucial consolation goal.
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson denied Scott McTominay twice, ensuring Scotland’s hopes remained distant.
Brazil then gave their supporters a moment to celebrate when Neymar entered the match in the 76th minute.
The Selecao’s all-time leading scorer returned to international action for the first time since October 2023, receiving a huge ovation as he replaced Cunha.
For Brazil, the night represented another step forward. For Scotland, it left their tournament future hanging in the balance as they waited to discover whether their three points and negative goal difference would be enough to advance among the best third-place teams.
Brazil’s latest triumph also continued their strong record against Scotland at the World Cup, with the South Americans now winning four of their five meetings. The only exception remains their goalless draw in 1974.
