Brazil’s controversial second goal in the first half of their World Cup Group C final against Scotland on Wednesday night was ruled out by VAR.
Vini Jr. adjudged to have fouled Jack Hendry in the build-up.
Scotland were deemed lucky after Brazil scored a controversial second goal in the first half of Wednesday night’s Group C clash in Miami. A mistake by Scott McKenna gave Vinicius Junior the lead for the Selecao after just seven minutes, but the Real Madrid star believed he had doubled the advantage with another mistake 23 minutes later.
Jack Hendry was stripped and Vini Junior scored the Scottish goal past Angus Gunn, to the delight of the Hard Rock Stadium. This left Scotland facing the prospect of another heartbreaking World Cup group stage exit.
However, Mexican referee Cesar Ramos controversially disallowed the attack after a VAR review. Vini Junior put his foot in front of an Al Etifaq defender before attempting to make a pass and was deemed to have fouled Hendry.
Following the decision, the BBC consulted Darren Cann live during an interview, and the former Premier League official said Steve Clarke’s side were lucky not to take a 2-0 lead.
“To be honest, I think Scotland were a bit lucky. There was a bit of contact before the ball was played, but I didn’t really feel it was a foul on Vini Junior. He was just stepping on the ground and the defender kicked him.”
“I think it’s going to be Scotland’s decision, but we were a little bit lucky that we got the decision.”
Former Scotland international James McFadden, who was co-commentary for his country’s final group game in North America, made it clear he disagreed with Can’s opinion. “He (gets fouled). That’s what he does. Absolutely (the bullet was dodged),” McFadden said, recalling a replay of the foul before the goal was ruled out for chalk.
“He caught his right foot going to play the ball and just put his foot in front of where Jack Hendry was going to play the ball.”
When asked if he agreed with Cann’s view following the former official’s comments, McFadden added: “No, it’s not. I think it’s a foul. Light contact or not, it’s a foul. Looking back, obviously he was caught in the motion of kicking the ball, and that’s enough to stop the ball from being played. He’s being obstructed.”
“This is a disappointment and just a warning, but sometimes Brazil don’t seem to want to press until they decide to press, and then they press and force mistakes or take advantage of chances.
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“For me it was a foul. He caught it and it was the right decision. It’s time for Scotland to make a decision here.”
But just when it looked like Scotland would go into half-time with just a one-goal lead against Miami, Vini Junior scored a legitimate second goal, nodding in from Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães.
Andy Robertson was at fault for giving up the ball inside his own penalty area, Nathan Patterson lost sight of his marker, while Angus Gunn also misjudged the trajectory of the ball, allowing Vini Junior to fire a straight header into an unguarded net at the far post.
If they lose by more than two points, Scotland will be left sweating and wondering about the fate of their World Cup.
And in the second period, Matheus Cunha scored his third goal with an hour remaining, further diminishing Scotland’s hopes of a knockout.
Coach Steve Clarke’s team is hoping to take advantage of their 1-0 win over Haiti in the opening game, picking up three points, and make a breakthrough as one of the best teams in third place.
However, they lost 1-0 to Morocco, and combined with the result against Brazil, their goal difference became negative, and depending on the results of other games, they could miss out on advancing to the World Cup finals for the first time in history.
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