Players of Brazil celebrate scoring during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
MIAMI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 in its final Group C match on Wednesday, securing a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
Vinicius opened the scoring in the seventh minute before adding a second just before halftime.
Brazil's first goal came after a costly defensive error by Scotland center-back Scott McKenna. The defender took too long to clear the ball inside his own penalty area, allowing Brazilian forward Rayan to intercept possession and square it for Vinicius, who calmly slotted home from close range.
The five-time world champion doubled its advantage on the stroke of halftime after Scotland again failed to deal with a dangerous delivery. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn misjudged Bruno Guimaraes' cross and failed to make contact with the ball, leaving Vinicius free to head into an open net.
Vinicius had earlier been seen arguing with the referee after a goal was disallowed following a VAR review that ruled he had fouled Jack Hendry in the build-up.
Matheus Cunha added Brazil's third goal in the 60th minute after an excellent piece of play by Guimaraes. The midfielder dispossessed a Scottish defender, beat another with a clever piece of skill and unselfishly set up Cunha for a simple finish inside the box.
Vinicius, who scored in all three of Brazil's group matches, is now tied with Norway's Erling Haaland and France's Kylian Mbappe on four goals, one behind Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, entered the match in the 75th minute. It was his first appearance for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023.
Brazil finished top of Group C with seven points from two wins and a draw. Morocco also collected seven points after defeating Haiti 4-2 but finished second on goal difference. Scotland ended the group stage in third place with three points. ■
Vinicius Jr (front) of Brazil jump for a headball during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Gabriel Magalhaes (L) and Bruno Guimaraes of Brazil react during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Players fight for a headball during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Vinicius Jr (C) of Brazil competes during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
Neymar of Brazil (L) vies with Lewis Ferguson of Scotland during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)
Players of Brazil celebrate scoring during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
