World Cup 2026: Scotland 0-3 Brazil: Vinicius Junior shines as Scots punished to leave progression dream in doubt

25.06.2026, 03:40 skysports.com

Scotland face a nervous wait to learn their World Cup fate after they were punished by Brazil.

Steve Clarke's side knew a draw would guarantee qualification beyond the group stages at a major finals for the first time, but mistakes cost them against the five-time winners.

It took Brazil just seven minutes to open the scoring in Miami Stadium. Scott McKenna gifted the ball to Vinicius Junior and he rounded Angus Gunn to slot home.

The Real Madrid striker capitalised on another mistake, this time by Jack Hendry, but a VAR check disallowed the goal for a foul on the Scotland defender.

Lewis Ferguson cleared an effort off the line before Vinicius Jr did make it 2-0 as he took advantage of another error, Angus Gunn and Nathan Patterson at fault.

Scotland looked brighter after the break with Kieran Tierney denied by Alisson Becker, but Brazil were not done.

Bruno Guimaraes was too strong for Kenny McLean and he sent the ball through to Matheus Cunha to fire in.

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Brazil progress as Group C winners while Scotland face a nervy wait to discover if they will finish as one of the top eight third-placed teams.

7: GOAL! Vinicius Junior is gifted Brazil's opener by Scott McKenna

25: DISALLOWED! Vinicius Junior has the ball in the net but it's ruled out for a foul on Jack Hendry

45: OFF THE LINE! Lewis Ferguson to Scotland's rescue as Vinicius Junior goes close again

45+3: GOAL! Angus Gunn and Nathan Patterson both at fault as Vinicius Junior does make it 2-0

49: SAVE! Alisson Becker denies Kieran Tierney

52: SAVE! Gunn denies Vinicius Junior his hat-trick

60: GOAL! Matheus Cunha fires in. Bruno Guimaraes is too strong for Kenny McLean as he sets up the Manchester United player

81: SO CLOSE TO FOUR! The ball finds Vinicius Jr in the box but he diverts his shot wide of the target

90+6: SAVE! Alisson denies Scott McTominay what could have been a crucial consolation

Make mistakes, and you will be punished. Especially at this level.

There was effort at times, but lapses in concentration combined with Brazil's brilliance proved costly.

Scotland need to wait until Sunday to discover if they have qualified for the knockout stages for the first time.

Lawrence Shankland started as the lone striker and offered nothing.

Scott McTominay was completely off the pace, although did somehow come close to scoring late on.

Punished for almost every mistake. Mistakes that were easily avoided.

Scotland can have no complaints with the result. If they do somehow still qualify, they will need to be much better.

As winners of Group C, Brazil will face the runners-up of Group F in the last 32.

That game will be played on Monday in Houston, with a 6pm UK time kick-off.

As it stands, Japan are second in Group F, but both Sweden and Netherlands could also yet finish as runners-up.

Meanwhile, Morocco will face the winners of Group F. As above, Netherlands are currently top of the group, but both Japan and Sweden can still go through as group winners ahead of the Dutch.

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