The Mt Kenya Times 
Vinícius Júnior’s first-half brace and a Matheus Cunha strike seal Group C top spot for Ancelotti’s side in Miami
By Norman Mwale
Scotland’s World Cup hopes were dealt a severe blow at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday as Brazil delivered a composed and clinical 3-0 victory, a performance built on pace, defensive fragility from the Scots, and the irresistible quality of Vinícius Júnior. The Seleção struck inside seven minutes when Rayan’s pressing forced a Scott McKenna turnover deep in Scotland’s half, and Vinícius was quickest to react, finishing coolly to give Brazil the lead. Scotland, disciplined in patches but undone by their own errors, found Brazil’s tempo difficult to live with as the half wore on.
The tie was effectively settled before the interval. In first-half stoppage time, Cunha intercepted a poor pass out from the back, Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise cross to the far post, and Vinícius — unmarked and clinical — headed home to make it 2-0. The double strike made Vinícius only the fifth Brazilian to score in each of his side’s three group stage matches at a World Cup, joining Jairzinho, Romário, Ronaldo and Rivaldo — on each of those occasions, Brazil lifted the trophy. The scoreline was completed in the 60th minute when Guimarães dispossessed Kenny McLean in midfield and Cunha, given space and time in a fractured Scottish defence, eased home Brazil’s third. Neymar, returning to the international stage for the first time in three years, came on as a second-half substitute to warm applause.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke did not hide his frustration afterwards. “We made it difficult for ourselves,” he said. “We gave them the goals and gave them the game they wanted.” His initial interview was cut short when he walked away in evident anger at his side’s defensive lapses. Captain Andy Robertson struck a similarly downcast tone. “In certain moments, we let ourselves down tonight,” he said. “Against these teams, we cannot afford to make the mistakes we were making.”
For Brazil, the performance only reinforced their credentials as one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Seleção have rediscovered their attacking identity, and Vinícius — who scored just six goals in 39 appearances under previous coaches — has now netted seven times in 13 games since the Italian took charge. Scotland, who entered the group stage for the first time since 1998, now face an agonising wait to discover whether their three points are sufficient to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Their goal difference of minus-three leaves the outcome in other hands.
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