Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, securing top spot in Group C and a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
The Real Madrid forward continued his impressive tournament form by taking his tally to four goals in three matches, helping the five-time world champions finish ahead of Morocco on goal difference.
Brazil took control of the contest in Miami with Vinicius opening the scoring before adding a second in first-half stoppage time. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha sealed the victory with a third goal shortly after the hour mark.
The result ensured Brazil progressed to the last 32 as group winners and will face the runners-up from Group F in Houston on June 29.
Vinicius has now scored in all three of Brazil’s group-stage matches, becoming the first Brazilian player since Ronaldo and Rivaldo at the 2002 World Cup to find the net in every group game. His four-goal haul leaves him level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot and one goal behind leader Lionel Messi.
Scotland, meanwhile, face an anxious wait to discover whether they have done enough to qualify among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Scots were punished for defensive lapses throughout the match and struggled to recover after Brazil’s early dominance.
Brazil thought they had taken the lead inside the opening minutes when Vinicius rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn and scored after capitalising on a defensive error. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The breakthrough eventually arrived before halftime when Vinicius headed home after Scotland again failed to clear their lines.
Cunha extended Brazil’s advantage in the second half with his third goal of the tournament, finishing off a move created by Bruno Guimaraes.
Scotland attempted to respond but were denied by Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, who produced key saves to keep a clean sheet.
The match also marked the long-awaited return of Neymar, who came on in the 76th minute for his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023. The forward received a warm reception from supporters as he made his comeback after more than two-and-a-half years away from international football.
Elsewhere in Group C, Morocco secured second place with a 4-2 victory over Haiti, finishing level on seven points with Brazil but behind on goal difference.
Scotland ended the group stage in third place with three points and must now await the outcome of other matches to determine whether they will advance to the knockout rounds.
