Scotland 0-3 Brazil: Vinicius Junior scored twice in the first half as Scotland suffered yet another loss, leaving the Scots waiting to see if they can secure a place in the World Cup finals.
Scotland finished third in Group C.
Scotland remain in third place in Group C after losing to Brazil, with their World Cup hopes still intact for now.
Steve Clark’s team was playing in a major tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years, but struggled throughout against the rock stars. Vinicius Jr.’s two goals ensured that he had scored in every World Cup match.
Matheus Cunha continued to score goals, highlighting Brazil’s superiority with Scotland not scoring much, which contributed to their self-destruction.
Vinicius was able to pounce when he saw Scott McKenna take too long and his pass was deflected into the path of Vinicius. All Vinicius had to do was slip it past the goalkeeper and into an empty net.
The Real Madrid man looked like he had been given the easiest of two goals when he saved Jack Hendry to concede a one-on-one and converted it brilliantly. However, Brazil’s celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened and spotted Vinicius’ contact just before Henry had won the ball.
But the winger was not to be denied and in first-half stoppage time he ran to the back post and found the back of the net with a header from Angus Gunn who was nowhere to be seen.
The goalkeeper made an impressive save before the break to thwart Vinicius’ attempts to score a hat-trick and keep his team in contention.
Bruno Guimarães connected with Cunha for Brazil’s third goal, with the Manchester United frontman scoring his first goal for the hosts. None of these goals drew the biggest cheers of the night. That was to make way for the introduction of Neymar, who arrived off the bench in the 76th minute with a heroic reception. Here are five stories from Miami.
painful waiting time
Scotland’s World Cup hopes will be determined by the results over the next few days. A win against Haiti means they have a chance to advance to the round of 32, as they are one of the better teams in the group to finish third.
Brazil take advantage of Scotland’s mistake to take the lead
However, it depends on how other countries deal with it. The frustration for Scotland has been a lackluster performance in their last two games, but they still have a chance to reach the finals. According to this statistic, Scotland had an above-average chance of qualifying even if they lost by two goals or less, but losing by three or more changes the situation significantly.
early gift from scotland
Giving away easy goals is not on the to-do list early on against Brazil. McKenna’s lapse at the back meant the intergenerational task became even more difficult for the South Americans, who took charge of the contest within 10 minutes.
The centre-half’s decision to play under pressure ultimately cost the Scots. As the Brazil international celebrated, the camera panned to left-back Andy Robertson, with the former Liverpool man gesturing to indicate that he should take a long knock next time. It was too little and too late for that.
Steve Clarke’s side now depends on other results
ultimate lifeline
Brazil’s goal ended Scotland’s hopes of getting all three points. The biggest fear was that the floodgates could open for a country that smells of blood and has quality streams. Vinicius looked to have given Brazil a 2-0 lead, only for VAR to save the Scotsman and Hendry.
Scotland picked up three points after winning their opening game against Haiti, which could be enough to qualify them for one of the top three places. The result is likely to come down to goal difference, and whether or not that goal is canceled out after 20 minutes could be the difference between advancing to the finals and going home early. Only time will tell about that.
Vini is Carlo’s man
Only time will tell how the dynamic between Jose Mourinho and Vinicius will develop in Madrid, following the recent appointment of the Special One. One thing is for sure: Ancelotti continues to get the best out of his wingers, whether he wears white or yellow.
Vinicius Junior scored the second goal just before half-time.
Vinicius has developed into a key player for Los Blancos, thanks in no small part to manager Ancelotti. The Brazilian must have been thrilled to see his former club boss coming to coach him on the international stage. And their wonderful cooperative relationship never fails.
england quarter card
Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002, beating England in the last eight, but the Three Lions could very well be their quarter-final opponents again. Brazil have been confirmed as winners of Group C, with Thomas Tuchel’s side set to win Group L.
If the two teams can negotiate a round of 32 and last 16 encounter, the exciting clash between the South Americans and England will take place in Miami on July 11th. Since winning in 2002, Brazil have lost in the quarter-finals in four of the last five competitions, and everyone in England will be happy to see that record continue.
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