Brazil and Switzerland topped their groups
Bosnia and Herzegovina got a crucial win
Romario, the hero of the first FIFA World Cup™ in the United States, urged Vinicius Jr do make the second his own. The 25-year-old is emphatically checking expectations. Vinicius took his tally to four goals in three games with a double as Brazil decked Scotland in ‘Magic City’. It ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s Seleção swaggered through as Group C winners and seized a last-32 assignment in H-Town. Achraf Hakimi dazzled as Morocco finished as their runners-up thanks to a thrilling 3-2 win over the excellent Haiti on Matchday 14. Starlets sizzled over in Group B. Johan Manzambi, 20, scored one and set up another as Switzerland overcame Canada to top the section, while 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic spurred Bosnia and Herzegovina to a victory over Qatar that sent them into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Johan Manzambi was once again the man for the Nati. The Genevan created the first and netted the second as Marat Yakin’s side raced ahead. Substitute Promise Daivd halved the deficit, but the Swiss held on to ensure they will stay in British Columbia for the last 32 and send Canada to California.
Sergej Barbarez’s boys began the day with it all to do, and ended it in knockout phase. The youngest and oldest players on the pitch propelled the Dragons into a deserved two-goal lead, Alajbegovic firing home from outside the box before Edin Dzeko’s cross was turned into his own net by Mahmoud Abunada. Hassan Al-Haydos pulled one back and Pedro Miguel cracked the post, but substitute Ermin Mahmic’s deflected drive put the result beyond doubt.
Scots and Brazilians put on one of the most electrifying atmospheres in World Cup history. Then the South Americans put on a show. Vinicius was its headline act, while Matheus Cunha got his third goal in two starts, Bruno Guimaraes registered two assists, teenager Rayan radiated, and Alisson kept a clean sheet. The decibel levels hit their most deafening in minute 76, when Neymar was sent on for his first international appearance in almost three years. Scotland now need several other results to go their way to be able to stay alive in these finals.
The Atlas Lions pocketed the points. Les Grenadiers also finished as figurative victors. Haiti stunned Morocco twice, their second a goal-of-the-tournament contender from Wilson Isidor. Morocco nevertheless rallied, with Hakimi getting and goal and an assist and Ismael Saibari scoring again. It wasn’t enough to eclipse Brazil, but Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will head to Monterrey confident of another deep World Cup run.
Kerim Alajbegovic, at the age of 18 years and 276 days, became the youngest goalscorer from outside the penalty area in World Cup history.
Ruben Vargas took only 39 seconds to score the fastest second-half goal in the World Cup in 16 years.
Ismael Saibari became the first player outside Europe or South America to score in each of his team’s first three games at a World Cup.
Some superb saves from Alisson helped Brazil become the first nation to register 50 World Cup clean sheets.
Thursday 25 June (all times local)
16:00: (Group E) 16:00: (Group E) 18:00: (Group F) 18:00: (Group F) 19:00: (Group D) 19:00: (Group D)
Sources: FIFA Official
