KUCHING: Brazil finished top of Group C after defeating Scotland 3-0 at Miami Stadium, United States today (MYT), leaving Steve Clarke’s side facing an anxious wait to discover whether they have done enough to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Scotland knew a point against the five-time champions would have all but secured a historic place in the Round of 32, but costly defensive errors left their campaign hanging on the final ranking of third-placed teams.
Brazil took advantage in the first half when Scott McKenna was caught in possession by Rayan, who set up Vinicius Junior for the opener.
The Real Madrid forward thought he had a second after dispossessing Jack Hendry and finishing past Angus Gunn, only for VAR to rule that Hendry had been fouled in the build-up.
Vinicius did get his second in first-half stoppage time, arriving at the back post to head home after Scotland failed to clear their lines.
Despite the scoreline, Scotland had moments in possession and started the second half brightly, even after captain Andy Robertson was replaced by Kieran Tierney at the break.
Scott McTominay twice forced Alisson Becker into action, while Lewis Ferguson also tested the Brazilian goalkeeper from a set-piece.
But Brazil ended any prospect of a comeback in the 60th minute when Bruno Guimaraes dispossessed Kenny McLean before teeing up Matheus Cunha, who smashed in the third.
Vinicius came close to completing his hat-trick late on, but Angus Gunn denied him before the forward dragged another effort wide.
Carlo Ancelotti later introduced Neymar for his first Brazil appearance in almost three years, drawing a huge ovation from the Brazilian supporters in Miami.
The result confirmed Brazil as Group C winners, while Morocco advanced as runners-up after their 4-2 win over Haiti.
Scotland, who finished third with three points and a minus-three goal difference, must now wait to see whether that is enough to claim one of the eight best third-placed spots in the Round of 32.
Haiti ended the group bottom without a point after three defeats.
