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BRAZIL underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites by cruising into the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, a result that secured top spot in Group C and marked the long-awaited international return of Neymar.
Before a packed crowd of 64,478 at Miami Stadium, Carlo Ancelotti's side delivered another polished display, combining relentless pressing, attacking flair and defensive discipline to finish the group phase unbeaten on seven points.
Reuters reported that the evening belonged largely to Vinicius Jr, whose scintillating form continued as he struck twice to take his tally to four goals in the tournament, placing him alongside the competition's leading scorers and further strengthening his growing influence within Brazil's attack.
Yet the loudest ovation came late in the match when Neymar stepped onto the pitch for his first appearance in Brazil colours since October 2023, marking an emotional return after a prolonged absence from international football.
Brazil wasted little time imposing themselves on Scotland, whose hopes of causing an upset were quickly extinguished by the South Americans' intensity and movement.
The breakthrough arrived after only seven minutes when Scotland failed to clear their lines. Rayan capitalised on the defensive lapse, stealing possession and finding Vinicius unmarked inside the penalty area.
With goalkeeper Angus Gunn rushing from his line, the Real Madrid forward calmly shifted the ball beyond the keeper before finishing into an empty net.
The early goal set the tone for a first half dominated by Brazil's aggressive pressing and superior technical quality.
Vinicius thought he had doubled the lead midway through the opening period after dispossessing Jack Hendry and finishing clinically, but a VAR review ruled out the effort for a foul in the build-up.
Scotland struggled to gain a foothold in the contest and relied largely on set-pieces to threaten Brazil's defence. However, they failed to register a shot on target before the interval as Brazil's back line remained firmly in control.
The decisive second goal arrived at the worst possible moment for Steve Clarke's side.
On the stroke of half-time, Brazil once again forced a turnover high up the pitch. Bruno Guimaraes delivered an inviting cross towards the far post, where Vinicius rose unchallenged to head home his second goal of the evening and put Brazil firmly in command.
With a two-goal cushion, Brazil continued to dictate proceedings after the restart.
Their third goal showcased the fluid attacking football that has characterised Ancelotti's tenure. Guimaraes collected his second assist of the match after surging through midfield and into the penalty area before supplying Matheus Cunha, who calmly converted for his third goal of the tournament.
The result was never in doubt thereafter as Brazil comfortably controlled possession and limited Scotland's attacking opportunities.
At the opposite end, goalkeeper Alisson preserved another clean sheet with a late save, ensuring Brazil completed a near-perfect evening.
The match also provided a symbolic moment for Brazilian football with Neymar's return. The 34-year-old's introduction was greeted by a standing ovation from supporters eager to see one of the nation's greatest players back on the international stage after a lengthy injury absence.
Brazil's comprehensive victory, coupled with Morocco's 4-2 win over Haiti, ensured the five-time world champions progressed as Group C winners on goal difference.
Having navigated the group stage without defeat and with key players finding top form, Brazil now enter the knockout rounds carrying considerable momentum and renewed belief that a sixth World Cup title may be within reach. - June 25, 2026
