Vinicius Junior sparkles as Brazil beat Scots to reach World Cup last 32
MIAMI: Vinicius Junior made it four goals in three games at the World Cup as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, sealing progress to the last 32 as Group C winners and leaving their opponents in danger of another first-round exit. Real Madrid superstar Vinicius took advantage of a defensive howler to give Brazil an early lead in Miami and headed in another in first-half stoppage time. Scotland were never really in it and Matheus Cunha got a third on the hour mark for the record five-time World Cup winners, who brought on Neymar toward the end for his first international appearance in over two-and-a-half years. There are doubts as to whether Carlo Ancelotti’s side are genuine contenders to win this tournament but boosted by finishing top of the group they head to Texas for a last-32 tie in Houston on June 29. That will be against the runners-up in Group F, which will be either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden. After scoring in both the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and the 3-0 win over Haiti, Vinicius is the first Brazilian to find the net in every group game at a World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo both did it in 2002. With four goals, he is one behind Lionel Messi and level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the golden boot race. Scotland, meanwhile, are at real risk of yet another group-stage elimination, as has been their fate at every previous major tournament in which they have participated — that includes eight World Cups before this year. Morocco took second in Group C, with seven points but behind Brazil on goal difference, after coming from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta. Scotland come third with three points and a goal difference of minus three.