Brazil completed its World Cup group stage with its clearest performance of the tournament, beating Scotland 3-0 in Miami on Wednesday, June 24, and finishing first in Group C with seven points.
The result took Carlo Ancelotti's team into the round of 32, the first knockout phase in the expanded 48-team format. Agência Brasil referred to that stage in Portuguese as the "fase de 16 avos de final," while NBC's live coverage used the English term "round of 32."
Vinícius Leads Brazil
Vinícius Júnior scored twice and Matheus Cunha added Brazil's third. Agência Brasil described it as Brazil's best performance so far after a 1-1 draw with Morocco and a 3-0 win over Haiti in its first two Group C matches.
Brazil opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Scotland tried to play out from near its own goal, Rayan won the ball from Scott McKenna, and Vinícius Júnior rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn before finishing.
Vinícius had another effort ruled out after video review, with referee César Ramos judging that the Brazilian forward had fouled Jack Hendry before scoring. Brazil still reached halftime two goals ahead, after Bruno Guimarães crossed for Vinícius to head in during stoppage time.
Cunha made it 3-0 in the second half. Agência Brasil reported that Casemiro released Bruno Guimarães, who set up Cunha for a shot into the left corner. NBC's live report said Brazil finished with 54% possession and nine shots on goal, compared with Scotland's five.
Neymar Returns
The match also marked Neymar's return to Brazil's national team. Agência Brasil reported that he had recovered from a grade-two injury in his right calf and entered in the second half, playing about 20 minutes.
It was his first appearance for Brazil since October 17, 2023, according to the same report. NBC's live coverage said Neymar came on in the 76th minute with Brazil already leading 3-0.
Vinícius remained Brazil's main attacking figure in the group phase. Agência Brasil reported that his two goals against Scotland took him to four in the tournament and that he had scored in all three group matches.
Group C Settled
Morocco also advanced from Group C after beating Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta. Brazil and Morocco both finished with seven points, but Brazil topped the group on goal difference, six to three, according to Agência Brasil.
Morocco finished second and will face the winner of Group F in the next phase, while Brazil was set to face Group F's runner-up. Agência Brasil reported that Brazil's round-of-32 match was scheduled for Monday, June 29, at 2 p.m. Brasília time in Houston, with the opponent still to be determined at the time of publication.
Scotland ended the group phase with three points and a negative goal difference. Agência Brasil reported that the Scots would have to wait for other group results to learn whether they could advance as one of the eight best third-place teams.
For Brazil, the milestone is simpler: the group stage is complete, first place is secured, and the campaign moves into the round of 32 with Vinícius Júnior in form and Neymar back in the squad.