Brazil booked their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday, as Vinicius Junior netted twice and Neymar made his first appearance in a Brazil shirt in nearly three years.
Vinicius’ double helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side top Group C with seven points at a packed Miami Stadium, while 64,478 fans witnessed the emotional return of Brazil’s hard-working son Neymar, who has not worn the famous yellow jersey since October 2023. Vinicius has scored 2-5 goals in every game so far. Going into the tournament to find himself in elite company, level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland while one goal behind Lionel Messi.
“We played well; it was like the match against Haiti (a 3-0 win). It was more of a ‘complete performance and we’re happy,’ Ancelotti said. “Now comes the best part… there were a lot of positives; we didn’t concede a goal. The introduction of Neymar is important and he can help us a lot.”
Scotland boss Steve Clarke predicted Brazil would attack.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke predicted Brazil would attack from the start and the South Americans needed seven minutes to prove him right and go 1-0 up when Scott McKenna failed to clear the ball, allowing Ryan to nick it and find Vinicius unmarked.
As goalkeeper Angus Gunn scrambled to stop him, the Real Madrid forward took just one touch to head the ball past him and tap it into the empty net, sending yellow fans into a frenzy. Brazil almost made it 2-0 before the first hydration break when Vinicius picked out Jack Hendrie’s through ball to score, but Scotland got a reprieve after a VAR check and the goal was overturned due to a foul by the Brazilian.
That was the theme in the first half, with Brazil more combative while Scotland failed to capitalise on set pieces as they finished the half without a goal on target. Brazil turned the knife on the stroke of half-time, winning the ball high up the pitch before Bruno Gomaris reached the far post, where a grateful Vinicius scored his second.
The two-goal cushion opened up the Brazilian’s full repertoire of moves as he cut through Scotland’s midfield with flicks and one-touch passes that led to a relieved Clarke at the half-time whistle.
Brazil pressed for a third goal and it came with another scintillating move through midfield as Guámares danced into the box to grab his second assist before setting up MatthÃas Cunha for his third goal of the tournament.
“It’s a dream come true. The first match was tough, the second one was better, and now it’s even better,” Cunha said. “I believe we are improving and we are doing our best to achieve our goal – to win our sixth title.”
Clarke and his Scotland side face a wait to see if they make it through to the knockout rounds.Â
Scotland finally tested Alisson for the first time in the 64th minute when the goalkeeper blocked a header but the Tartan Army’s roar of approval was quickly drowned out by the Brazilian fans singing in unison. But the biggest joy of the night was reserved for Neymar as Ancelotti brought on the 34-year-old who wanted to match up with Vinicius, who created three chances in 13 minutes.
Scotland’s attacking efforts remained toothless and Alisson remained a rock in goal, denying one last chance in the closing minutes as Brazil kept a clean sheet. “We gave them the goals; we gave them the game we wanted. We’re disappointed,” Clarke said.
The result leaves Scotland waiting to see if they can qualify as one of the best teams to finish third with three points but a damaging goal difference of minus three.
