FT: Scotland 0-3 Brazil
Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland to finish top of Group C and secure a place in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup.
The five-time world champions produced another dominant display at Miami Stadium, with Vinicius extending his fine form before Matheus Cunha added a second-half goal to complete a comfortable win.
Brazil took the lead in the seventh minute after a costly mistake by Scotland defender Scott McKenna. Under pressure from Rayan, McKenna’s attempted clearance ricocheted kindly for Vinicius, who rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net.
Vinicius thought he had doubled Brazil’s advantage moments later after dispossessing Jack Hendry, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
Scotland gradually settled into the contest but were dealt another blow deep into first-half stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes delivered a cross that evaded Gunn, allowing Vinicius to head home his second goal of the night and his third in as many group-stage matches.
Brazil continued to dominate after the break, forcing Gunn into several important saves before extending their lead in the 60th minute. Guimaraes again turned provider, setting up Matheus Cunha, who drilled a low finish into the net from close range.
Scotland created a handful of chances in search of a consolation goal, but Alisson Becker denied Lewis Ferguson from a free-kick before making two further saves to keep out Scott McTominay.
The victory ensured Brazil completed the group stage with two consecutive wins and clean sheets, while Vinicius became only the fifth Brazilian player to score in all three World Cup group-stage matches, joining Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
Brazil captain Marquinhos welcomed his side’s progress but insisted tougher tests lie ahead.
“We’ve achieved our first objective, but we have to keep going,” he said. “Now the real competition begins. The small details are going to make all the difference.”
Scotland manager Steve Clarke admitted his side had been punished by Brazil’s quality.
“The best team won,” Clarke said. “You cannot make those mistakes at this level because they put you on the back foot.”
Brazil advance to the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up from Group F, while Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage remain dependent on other results.
