Brazil secured top spot in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami, leaving Steve Clarke’s side facing an anxious wait to discover whether they will qualify for the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The five-time world champions capitalised on a series of Scottish defensive errors, with Vinicius Jr scoring twice before Matheus Cunha added a third to ensure Carlo Ancelotti’s side finished the group phase on a high.
The result leaves Scotland on three points and dependent on results elsewhere as the remaining groups conclude their final matches.
Scotland entered the match knowing that a draw would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
However, their hopes suffered an early setback when Scott McKenna hesitated in possession and was dispossessed by Bournemouth teenager Rayan.
The Brazilian quickly found Vinicius Jr, who made no mistake in converting the opportunity.
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Vinicius thought he had doubled Brazil’s lead shortly afterwards after stealing possession from Jack Hendry and finishing past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. However, a VAR review ruled that Hendry had been fouled in the build-up, allowing Scotland a temporary reprieve.
Brazil eventually extended their lead in first-half stoppage time. Scotland failed to clear a cross into the penalty area, and Vinicius Jr headed home at the far post for his second goal of the evening.
Despite trailing by two goals, Scotland showed more attacking intent than in their previous group matches and enjoyed periods of possession.
Brazil, however, remained in control and continued to create chances, with Vinicius Jr threatening to complete his hat-trick as the South Americans repeatedly exposed gaps in the Scottish defence.
Scotland began the second half brightly, but Brazil effectively ended the contest when Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes won possession from Kenny McLean and set up Matheus Cunha, who fired past Gunn to make it 3-0.
The defeat leaves Scotland facing a nervous wait to determine whether their three-point haul will be enough to secure one of the eight places available for the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Their only victory in the group came against Haiti on the opening matchday, while the heavy defeat to Brazil damaged their goal difference and complicated their qualification hopes.
Brazil, meanwhile, advanced to the knockout stage as Group C winners after another convincing display, with Vinicius Jr continuing his impressive tournament by scoring in all three group matches.
