Brazil beats Scotland 3:0 and advances as group winner to the round of 16

The South Americans clearly controlled the match after the early goal but squandered several good chances thereafter. In the 22nd minute, Vinícius Júnior celebrated again, but the goal was disallowed following a video review. In front of former world champions such as Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Kaká, Cafu, and Ronaldo watching from the stands, the Brazilians initially failed to extend their lead.

Vinícius Júnior heads home the second

The relieving 2:0 came just before halftime. After a cross from Bruno Guimarães, Scottish keeper Gunn missed the ball, and at the far post Vinícius Júnior headed unchallenged into the empty net (45+3). Shortly after, Matheus Cunha (45') and Rayan (45+6) missed further high-quality chances, with Gunn preventing an even heavier deficit at halftime with a save (45+7).

The Seleção also came out purposeful in the second half. Just 51 seconds after the restart, Vinícius Júnior found himself free in front of Gunn following a brilliant through ball from Lucas Paquetá but was denied by the keeper's foot. Shortly after, the 25-year-old missed from close range (81') and was again thwarted by Gunn (79').

Cunha scores the goal of the night

The goal of the night came in the 60th minute from Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimarães, who had already set up the 2:0, held off Kenny McLean robustly and played a clever ball to the onrushing Cunha. The former Bundesliga striker finished calmly to make it 3:0. It was the striker's first goal of the tournament; he had previously played in the German Bundesliga for Hertha BSC and RB Leipzig.

The Scots, who ended their tournament campaign with the prestigious duel against the five-time world champions, battled against the defeat. In the 64th minute, Lewis Ferguson forced Brazilian keeper Alisson into a save with a direct free kick before Scott McTominay headed the rebound. Lawrence Shankland also caused danger with a header (74'), but the "Bravehearts" remained goalless.

Neymar's emotional comeback

The emotional highlight of the evening came in the 76th minute when Carlo Ancelotti brought on the long-time Neymar. Earlier, Ronaldinho had warmly embraced him in the players' tunnel. The 34-year-old, who had missed the first two World Cup matches with a calf injury, played his fourth World Cup match for Brazil after a little more than 32 months. With 128 caps and 79 goals, he is the Seleção's all-time leading scorer. He almost scored as well, but his shot in the 90th minute landed straight in Gunn's arms.

When the final whistle blew, Brazil's group victory was confirmed, tinged with a hint of melancholy: Scotland finished the group stage with three points from its earlier win over Haiti, but a goal difference of 1:4 and third place in Group C make qualification for the round of 16 unlikely. Only the eight best third-placed teams advance to the next round.

Looking ahead to the round of 16

Brazil now faces the runner-up of Group F next Monday (19:00). Ancelotti can draw on a deep squad in which, alongside the goalscorers Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha, returnee Neymar is also available again. Above all, the Seleção's attacking options are considered one of the team's greatest strengths at this tournament.

The performance on Wednesday evening underlined Brazil's ambitions of claiming a sixth World Cup title. The team looked fluent, technically strong, and utterly relaxed, while the defense rarely allowed serious problems. Scotland proved an awkward but ultimately outclassed opponent.

Overall, it was the expectedly commanding performance from the South Americans to close out the group stage. The Seleção, who picked up seven points in the group matches against Haiti, the USA, and now Scotland, can harbour justified hopes of a deep tournament run.

It was also a spectacle for the fans in the stadium: Scotland's "Tartan Army," which had previously taken over Boston, provided atmosphere but was outnumbered in Miami by tens of thousands of Brazilian supporters. The mood in the stadium resembled a home game for the South Americans.

With the group victory, Brazil has achieved its minimum objective and taken the pressure off the group stage. The upcoming tasks will be more demanding, but the Brazilians head into the knockout phase with the confidence of three wins in four World Cup matches.

Neymar's return to the pitch had been demanded by fans in the stadium with chants, after he had missed the first two matches through injury. His introduction in the 76th minute was greeted with huge cheers, a sign of the superstar's unbroken popularity.

That Scotland ultimately lost 0:3 was also down to the individual quality of the Brazilians. While the Scottish defense was overwhelmed by the Seleção's fast wide men, Vinícius Júnior and Rayan, their own attack lacked punch.

Early in the match it was clear that the Scots had their backs against the wall. Coach Steve Clarke's team tried to play forward bravely but found no way through Brazil's disciplined defense.

In the closing stages, Brazil managed the lead comfortably and let the ball and the opposition run. Scotland threw everything forward but could no longer seriously trouble the compact Brazilian back line.