Brazil secured their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami on Wednesday, while Switzerland and Canada also booked their spots in the last 32 as the group stage entered its decisive phase.
The five-time world champions finished top of Group C, edging Morocco on goal difference after both sides won their final group matches. Morocco also progressed after overcoming Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta.
For Scotland, however, the defeat leaves qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Steve Clarke’s side ended the group stage in third place and must now wait to discover whether their points tally will be enough to secure one of the remaining knockout-round berths available to the best-performing third-placed teams.
Brazil made an ideal start at Hard Rock Stadium, taking the lead inside seven minutes. Vinicius Junior capitalised on a costly defensive mistake from Scott McKenna before calmly finding the net.
The Real Madrid forward struck again just before the interval, escaping his marker to head home Brazil’s second and place the South Americans firmly in control.
Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha effectively ended Scotland’s hopes of a comeback when he added a third goal shortly after the hour mark.
The match also marked Neymar’s first appearance of the tournament. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced the veteran forward late in the second half, providing a significant boost ahead of the knockout stages.
Ancelotti praised his side’s overall display after the match.
“We played as a team, and that is very important,” he said. “There were many positive aspects, including Neymar’s return, which can be valuable for us moving forward.”
