Rayan Stars For Brazil As Scotland's Hopes Take Significant Blow

Rayan announced himself on the World Cup stage in style as the Cherries forward impressed on his first start for Brazil in a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland.

While it was a landmark evening for Rayan, it proved a frustrating one for his Bournemouth team mates on the opposite side. Scotland duo Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie were unable to prevent a second defeat of the group stage, leaving Steve Clarke's side now facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.

Many felt that Rayan making the Brazil squad was impressive enough, but he was handed a place in the starting line up against the Scots, and the 19 year old looked right at home in the famous yellow shirt, becoming the first teenager to start for Brazil at a World Cup since 1970.

Rayan showcased his talents from the off when his early pressing made the opener and registered the Cherries man with an assist for his attacking partner Vinicius Junior. He produced a lively display full of pace, direct running and intelligent movement throughout, as Brazil sealed top spot in Group C and maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament.

Brazil's superior quality told as they intelligently allowed Scotland to have the ball and make their own mistakes. The Brazilians created the clearer openings throughout, with Rayan playing his part in stretching the Scottish defence and linking well with his fellow attacking stars, Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha in particular.

The five time World Cup Champions cruised to victory and probably should have added more than their three goals. A Vinicius Junior brace and Matheus Cunha goal was enough to see Brazil advance to the knockout rounds for the 15th consecutive World Cup, with Morocco also progressing in second spot from Group C.

Credit: FIFA.

Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages are starting to look increasingly unlikely after the damaging 3-0 defeat to Brazil.

Consecutive losses to Morocco and Brazil have left Steve Clarke's side needing other results to go their way if they are to have any chance of progressing, and the margin of defeat would have been a sore one for the Scots. 

It was a frustrating evening for Bournemouth's Scottish duo. Ben Gannon-Doak was handed a start and despite impressing against Haiti in their opener, he found himself isolated for long periods against Brazil's disciplined defence, with Scotland struggling to provide him with any meaningful service. Ryan Christie, meanwhile, was left disappointed after beginning the match on the bench, only entering as a late second half substitute as Scotland chased the game. Neither Cherries players were able to inspire any sort of comeback as Brazil's quality proved decisive, leaving the tartan army's World Cup campaign on the brink.

Credit: BBC Sport.