Brazil beat Scotland as Vinicius scores twice and Neymar returns
Brazil topped Group C with a 3-0 win over Scotland, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice and Neymar making his first Brazil appearance since 2023.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Brazil moved into the World Cup knockout rounds with a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami, Reuters reported, securing first place in Group C with a sharp final group-stage performance. Vinicius Junior scored twice, and Neymar returned to the Brazil team for the first time since October 2023.
Reuters reported that 64,478 fans filled Miami Stadium on Wednesday to watch Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish the group on seven points. Morocco took second place in the group after beating Haiti 4-2, according to Reuters.
Vinicius continued his strong tournament, scoring in each of Brazil’s three matches so far, Reuters reported. The 25-year-old now has four goals at the World Cup, level with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland and one behind Lionel Messi, according to Reuters.
Brazil strike early
Scotland manager Stephen Clark had expected Brazil to start aggressively, Reuters reported, and the opening goal arrived after seven minutes. Scott McKenna could not clear the ball, Rayan took possession and found Vinicius in space.
With goalkeeper Angus Gunn moving to close him down, Vinicius shifted the ball past him with one touch and finished into an empty net, according to Reuters. The goal gave Brazil early control in front of a large Brazil-supporting crowd.
Brazil thought they had a second goal before the first-half hydration break when Vinicius took the ball from Jack Hendry and scored, Reuters reported. After a VAR review, the referee ruled it out for a foul by the Brazil forward.
Reuters reported that Brazil’s pressing shaped the first half, as Ancelotti’s team repeatedly won the ball high up the field. Scotland’s best chances came from set pieces, but they did not register a shot on target before halftime.
Guimaraes sets up two goals
Brazil doubled the lead just before the interval, again after winning possession in Scotland’s half, according to Reuters. Bruno Guimaraes crossed to the far post, where Vinicius headed in his second goal of the match.
Brazil kept pushing after halftime and added a third through Matheus Cunha, Reuters reported. Guimaraes drove into the penalty area and set up Cunha, who scored his third goal of the tournament.
The loudest reaction of the night came when Ancelotti sent on Neymar, according to Reuters. The 34-year-old had not played for Brazil since October 2023.
Scotland offered little in attack, Reuters reported, and Brazil goalkeeper Alisson preserved the clean sheet by stopping a late chance in the closing minutes. The result capped an unbeaten group campaign for Brazil and sent Ancelotti’s team into the next round as Group C winner.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.