Brazil were at their excellent best on Wednesday evening, as they eased past a dismal Scotland side to ensure top spot in Group B of the World Cup
It would take just seven minutes for Brazil to take the lead in Miami. Experienced defender Andy Robertson was caught inside his own box by Rayan, who in turn squared the ball to Vinicius to tap into the net. A nightmare start for Steve Clarke's side.
Vinicius scores the openerQuarter of an hour later, history looked to have repeated itself. A defensive mix up at the back lead to Brazil capitalising, this time Vinicius making the challenge himself, before scoring again. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a foul. Very controversial decision.
A couple of minutes before the break, Brazil should have made it 2-0. From the right hand side, Vinicius cut the ball back to the six yard box, but Matheus Cunha could not bundle the ball in when well placed.
However, there was still time for the Selecao to make it 2-0 before the break. After Scotland were once again caught playing out from the back, a cross from the right was nodded in by Vinicius at the far post.
Vinicius heads into make it 2-0Even then, it could have been three before the break, but Bournemouth forward Rayan could not beat Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn when one-on-one. It should have been lights out by half time, but was somehow only 2-0.
Four minutes into the second half, Scotland had their first real chance, as substitute Kieran Tierney put in a nice cross for Scott McTominay, but his header was straight at Alisson. A lot better from the Jocks.
Just two minutes later, Vinicius had the chance to become the first Brazilian to score a hat-trick at a World Cup since Pele, but he could not convert his one-on-one opportunity. He was a little off balance in fairness.
However, the third goal did finally come. Scotland were all at sea defensively again, and Bruno Guimaraes squared for Cunha to tap into what was basically an unguarded goal.
Despite three goals for Brazil at this point, the biggest cheer of the night came with just under a quarter of an hour to go, when Neymar was introduced to the action for his first national team appearance since October 2023, where he ruptured his ACL in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
Neymar makes his long awaited return to the national teamIn the final few minutes of the game, Brazil continued to press and probe, in search of a fourth goal. However, 3-0 is how it would end, after McTominay missed a huge chance, which could be important for them regarding goal difference with the third place ruling.
Brazil win the group over Morocco on goal difference, whilst Scotland's World Cup hopes now hang by a thread, with their fate no longer in their hands.
