Scotland’s World Cup hopes will remain in the balance for now after they were beaten by Brazil – leaving them in third spot in Group C.
Steve Clarke’s side, playing in the major tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years, struggled throughout against their rockstar opponents. Vinicius Jnr’s brace ensured he’s now scored in every game of the World Cup.
Matheus Cunha continued his goalscoring form as he underlined Brazil’s dominance with Scotland struggling to offer much – contributing to their own downfall.
Vinicius was able to pounce when Scott McKenna took too long and saw a pass deflected into the path of Vinicius, who only needed to round the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.
The Real Madrid man looked to have been gifted two of the easiest goals when he dispossessed Jack Hendry, allowing him a one-on-one which he duly slotted. Brazilian celebrations were cut short though as VAR intervened, spotting contact on Henry by Vinicius just before he stole possession.
The winger wouldn’t be denied though and, in first-half stoppage time, he made a run to the back post and headed into the net with Angus Gunn nowhere to be seen.
The goalkeeper did keep his team in the contest, pulling off an impressive save before the break and denying Vinicius as he sought his hat-trick.
Brazil got their third on the hour mark as Bruno Guimaraes laid on Cunha and the Manchester United frontman fired home first time. None of those goals were the reason for the biggest cheer of the night – that was reserved for the introduction of Neymar, who arrived off the bench on 76 minutes to a heroes reception. Here’s five talking points from Miami.
Scotland’s World Cup hopes will now be determined by the results over the coming days. The win over Haiti means they stand a chance of making the Round of 32 by virtue of being one of the better teams to finish third in their group.
View 4 ImagesBrazil seized on a Scotland error to take the lead
That though is dependent on how other nations fare. The frustration for Scotland will have been the lacklustre performances they’ve put in across their last two games, and yet they could still make the knockouts. The stats gave Scotland an above average chance of qualifying even if they lost by two goals or less – losing by three or more massively changed that.
On the list of things to do early on against Brazil, giving them an easy goal is not on the agenda. A blunder at the back from McKenna meant a generational task was made all the more difficult with the South Americans in charge of the contest within 10 minutes.
The centre-half’s decision to try and play out with pressure coming ultimately cost the Scots. The camera panned to left-back Andy Robertson as Brazil celebrated and the ex-Liverpool man gestured to tell him that, next time, he should knock it long. It was too little, too late for that.
View 4 ImagesSteve Clarke’s side are now relying on other results
Once Brazil went a goal up Scotland’s hopes of securing three points took an almighty hit. The biggest fear was that the floodgates could open against a nation smelling blood and flowing with quality. Vinicius looked to have put Brazil 2-0 up, only for VAR to save the Scots and Hendry.
Scotland’s three points, which came by virtue of winning their opener against Haiti, could be enough to see them qualify as one of the best third places. It is likely to come down to goal difference, and seeing that goal after 20 minutes ruled out, could prove to be the different between qualifying for the knockouts and heading home early. Time will tell on that one.
Just how the Jose Mourinho and Vinicius dynamic plays out in Madrid, only time will tell following the Special One’s recent appointment. One thing that is for sure is that Ancelotti has continued to get the best from the winger – regardless of whether he wears white or yellow.
View 4 ImagesVinicius Junior scored his second just before half-time
Vinicius grew into becoming the main man for Los Blancos, that in no small part owed to the management of Ancelotti. The Brazilian must’ve been thrilled when he saw his former club boss was coming to coach him on the international stage – and their stellar working relationship hasn’t missed a beat.
The last time Brazil won the World Cup in 2002 they downed the English in the last eight – and the Three Lions could well be their quarter-final opponents once more. Brazil confirmed themselves as Group C winners – and Thomas Tuchel’s side are favourites to win Group L.
Provided both teams negotiate their Round of 32 and the Last 16 clashes, a titanic game between the South Americans and England will take place in Miami on July 11. Since winning in 2002 Brazil have lost in the quarter-finals in four of the last five tournaments – all those on English soil will happily see that record continue.
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