Brazil goals: Vinicius Junior (7, 45+3), Matheus Cunha (60)
Brazil strolled into the Round of 32 of the with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium.
With two first-half goals, Vinicius Junior led the way for the five-times champions who can now look forward to a Houston encounter with Group F’s runners-up on 29 June. For Scotland, by contrast, the dream of surviving the group stage for the first time remains in the balance. They sit third in the section with three points and a goal difference of minus three.
Scotland had not beaten Brazil in ten previous attempts and the size of their task grew larger in the sixth minute after a goal gift-wrapped by Scott McKenna, the centre-back brought in for his first World Cup appearance. Under pressure from Rayan, his attempted ball out from the back was blocked by the Brazilian and deflected towards Vinicius Junior who sidestepped Angus Gunn and found the net for the third game running.
Vinicius Junior then had the ball in the net a second time after robbing Jack Hendry but following a VAR review, he was adjudged to have fouled the defender.
After that reprieve, Scotland gained a temporary foothold only to stumble again in first-half stoppage time as Bruno Guimaraes’ cross evaded Gunn’s outstretched arm and Vinicius Junior nodded in. Although Gunn would then make fine saves to foil Rayan and Vinicius Junior (twice), Brazil got their third goal when Bruno Guimaraes teed up Matheus Cunha to drill in at the near post.
Scotland were denied the consolation of a goal as Alisson Becker saved from a Lewis Ferguson free-kick and then twice denied Scott McTominay as Brazil secured a second straight win and clean sheet. The introduction of Neymar Jr as a late substitute — the veteran appearing in his fourth successive World Cup — gave the vast Brazilian contingent in the crowd something else to celebrate too.
Vinicius Junior has become the fifth Brazil player to score in all three games of a World Cup group stage, following in the footsteps of Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), and Ronaldo and Rivaldo (both 2002). On each occasion Brazil went on to win the tournament.
"You see their quality in the final third of the pitch, we didn't have that tonight. We created chances but it wasn't enough. Let's be honest, the best team won ... In the first four or five minutes we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night . For sure I think we're going home." Steve Clarke, Scotland coach, speaking to the BBC
"We lost poor goals at poor times against a team with quality who can punish you. In moments, they [Brazil] just hurt you. We had a few chances to get a goal ourselves, which could’ve been important. The lads are gutted. We fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. Whether or not we go through, we’ll see in the next few days." John McGinn, Scotland midfielder
"We've achieved our first objective, but we have to keep going. It was a difficult group. Now the real competition begins. It's like the Champions League – there's no point finishing top of your group if you're not ready afterwards. The small details are going to make all the difference." Marquinhos, Brazil captain, speaking to beIN Sports
Sources: FIFA Official
