MIAMI: Vinícius Júnior inspired Brazil with a brilliant double as they secured a dominant 3–0 win over Scotland on Wednesday to finish top of Group C and move into the World Cup round of 32.
Scotland, meanwhile, are left waiting on other results to keep their knockout hopes alive.
The Real Madrid forward struck twice once after a defensive mistake and again with a first-half header as Brazil controlled the match from start to finish. Matheus Cunha added a third goal in the second half to complete a comfortable victory for the five-time champions.
Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, now advance to the knockout stage with confidence and will travel to Texas for their round-of-32 clash in Houston on June 29.
Their next opponents will come from Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden still in contention.
Vinícius continues his remarkable run of form, becoming the first Brazilian since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in all three group-stage matches of a World Cup.
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He now sits on four goals in the tournament, just one behind Lionel Messi and level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
Scotland struggled throughout the match and were repeatedly punished for defensive errors. The opening goal came after Scott McKenna was dispossessed inside his own penalty area, allowing Vinícius to round the goalkeeper and finish calmly.
A second effort from Vinícius was later ruled out after a VAR review, but Brazil doubled their lead before half-time when Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise cross for the forward to head home.
Matheus Cunha sealed the result in the second half after linking up with Guimarães, as Brazil continued to dominate possession and create chances.
Scotland rarely threatened in attack, with goalkeeper Alisson denying Scott McTominay twice to preserve a clean sheet. The defeat leaves Steve Clarke’s side in third place, with their qualification hopes now dependent on results elsewhere.
Late in the match, Neymar made his return to international football after more than two years, coming on to a strong reception as Brazil comfortably closed out the win.
Brazil have now won four of their five World Cup meetings with Scotland, continuing their strong record against the European side.
