Brazil secured top spot in Group C with a clinical 3-0 dismantling of Scotland at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a result that owed as much to Vinicius Junior’s predatory finishing as to the defensive generosity of their opponents. The Real Madrid forward struck twice in the first half – first capitalising on a seventh-minute blunder by Scott McKenna, who was caught in possession by Rayan, and then heading home a Bruno Guimarães cross deep into stoppage time. A second Vinicius goal midway through the half was disallowed after a VAR review spotted a marginal foul, but the 25-year-old’s brace took his tournament tally to four, level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland and one behind Lionel Messi in the golden boot race. Matheus Cunha added a third on the hour, sweeping in after another Guimarães assist, to complete a scoreline that never flattered the five-time champions.

Scotland’s evening unravelled through self-inflicted wounds. Clarke’s side, needing a result to strengthen their historic bid for a first knockout-stage appearance, repeatedly gifted possession in dangerous areas. McKenna’s early error set the tone, and Jack Hendry was similarly dispossessed for the disallowed goal. The Scots failed to register a shot on target in the first half and, despite a marginal improvement after the break, Alisson was only seriously tested by Scott McTominay’s header. Across Europe, the narrative centred on a familiar failing: Scotland’s inability to marry their off-field fervour – the Tartan Army again provided a raucous backdrop – with on-field composure against elite opposition.

The night’s most resonant moment arrived in the 76th minute, when Neymar entered as a substitute for his first Brazil appearance since October 2023. The 34-year-old, who had missed the opening two matches with a calf injury, was greeted by a deafening ovation from the overwhelmingly Brazilian crowd. He created three chances in his brief cameo and, at the final whistle, was visibly emotional, wiping away tears as he embraced teammates and family. Brazilian outlets framed the return as the end of a 981-day exile, noting that Neymar became only the fourth Brazilian – after Pelé, Djalma Santos and Cafu – to feature in four World Cup tournaments. Coach Carlo Ancelotti called his availability “important and could help us a great deal,” while the player himself described the moment as “one of the most special days” of his career.

Morocco’s 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta ensured they finished level on seven points with Brazil but second on goal difference, leaving Scotland third with three points and a minus-three goal difference. The Scots must now wait for the remaining group matches to learn whether they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams – a scenario that, viewed from Glasgow, appears precarious. Brazil, meanwhile, travel to Houston for a last-32 tie on 29 June against the runner-up from Group F, which will be decided on Thursday among the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden. Having progressed from the group stage for a 15th consecutive World Cup, the Seleção carry momentum and the restored presence of their all-time leading scorer into the knockout phase.