Brazil punched their ticket to World Cup knockouts with a 3-0 win over Scotland Wednesday. Miami Stadium hosted 64,478 fans who saw Vinicius Junior bag two goals and Neymar make his long-awaited return after three years away .
Brazil now tops Group C with seven points. Morocco follows after a 4-2 win over Haiti . Vinicius has shone in this tournament, scoring four goals — level with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland,just one behind Lionel Messi.
Stephen Clark, Scotland's coach, expected Brazil to come out swinging,and they did. Seven minutes in,a mistake by Scott McKenna let Rayan pounce,setting up Vinicius to score past Angus Gunn. Brazilian fans went wild.
Brazil almost made it two before the first water break when Vinicius scored again. But VAR called it back for a foul . Still, Brazil controlled half,pressing hard,while Scotland couldn't muster shot on target.
Right before halftime, Brazil struck again. Bruno Guimaraes whipped a cross to the far post. Vinicius headed it in for his second. Brazil firmly in control.
Second half,Brazil kept up pressure. Guimaraes assisted again, slicing through midfield to set up Matheus Cunha. Cunha scored Brazil's third,his third of the tournament.
Biggest cheer came when Neymar entered. Crowd roared. His first appearance in Brazil colors since October 2023. Fans loved it.
Scotland never found footing. Alisson stayed solid in goal, stopping any late Scottish efforts. Brazil's defense held tight. Clean sheet,decisive win…what's next for Brazil in knockouts?
