Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 to top Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
Matheus Cunha grabbed the third in a simple night for the South American side, who accumulated seven points in three matches heading into the Round of 32.
Elsewhere in Group C, Morocco beat a gutsy Haiti 4-2 to also reach seven points. However, their 1-1 draw with Brazil meant goal difference came in to separate first and second, with the Selecao taking it on superior numbers.
Scotland’s hopes of keeping things tight ended almost instantly.
Scott McKenna tried to cut inside and play a pass on the edge of his box. Rayan, who replaced the injured Raphinha in Brazil’s starting lineup, closed him down, with the ball landing at the feet of Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid man coolly maneuvered around Angus Gunn for a simple tap-in.
Fifteen minutes later, another mistake nearly rocked the Scottish backline. Jack Hendry took too long in possession, allowing Vini Jr. to nick the ball, sneaking in once again for an easy goal. However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for minimal contact made as the Scot tried to play the pass.
Vinicius did grab his second just before halftime, as Bruno Guimaraes’ beautiful cross caught Gunn out, falling to the Brazilian forward who lurked just behind him to nod home.
Gunn was called into action once more just before the break, this time making an excellent save from Rayan in the box.
Brazil wrapped up the game with thirty minutes remaining after a slower start to the second half. Guimaraes wriggled into the box and unselfishly laid the ball off to Matheus Cunha for his third goal of the tournament.
A great night for Brazil got even better when Neymar came off the bench in the 76th minute to make his first appearance at this year’s tournament.
Wednesday’s results mean, as it stands, Brazil will face Japan in the Round of 32. However, that could change, depending on Japan’s result against Sweden and how the Netherlands fare against Tunisia.
Morocco will take on the Dutch if Group F remains unchanged, while Scotland must now wait to see if they can hold onto a best third-place finish.
Conceding three unanswered goals puts Steve Clarke’s men in real danger of missing out when the groups conclude on Saturday.
