Brazil Dominate Scotland 3-0 as Vinicius scores twice and Carlo Ancelotti hails the forward after securing top spot in Group C

Brazil secured top spot in Group C at the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Vinicius Junior for another standout performance that underlined his growing influence on the global stage.

Also read: Morocco Clinch Dramatic 4-2 Win Over Haiti

Vinicius, 25, scored twice in the first half at the Hard Rock Stadium, including an unusual headed goal, as Brazil controlled proceedings from start to finish and booked their place in the last 32 as group leaders.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has previously coached Vinicius at club level with Real Madrid, described the forward as one of the best players in world football, highlighting both his technical development and maturity in front of goal.

“I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header, which is very rare for him.”

“I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world,” the Brazil coach added.

Vinicius has now scored four goals in three matches at the tournament, following strikes against Morocco in a 1-1 draw and Haiti in a 3-0 win, placing him among the competition’s top scorers alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland.

The Brazilian forward’s consistent form places him in rare historical company, becoming the first Brazil player since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in each of the country’s first three group matches at a World Cup.

Other Brazilian legends to achieve the feat include Jairzinho in 1970 and Romario in 1994, both of whom went on to lift the trophy in their respective campaigns.

Despite his impressive scoring run, Vinicius downplayed personal statistics, emphasising team performance over individual accolades.

“I always say I am not that bothered about numbers,” Vinicius said. “The coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team.”

Brazil’s third goal came from Matheus Cunha, who sealed the victory before being substituted in a highly anticipated moment that saw Neymar return to international football for the first time since October 2023.

Ancelotti praised Neymar’s professionalism and impact during his brief appearance, describing the 34-year-old as a player who still carries youthful passion for the game.

“He deserved to come on. He has worked hard and trained hard to recover fitness,” Ancelotti said. “He is 34 but he has the same passion for playing football as a kid.”

Brazil now advance to the knockout stages with growing confidence, having shown improved defensive structure and attacking efficiency across their group matches.

The team will travel to Houston for their last-32 fixture on Monday, where they will face the runners-up from Group F, which could include the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.

Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s progression, noting reduced errors and improved cohesion since their opening match.

“Compared to the first game we are making fewer errors, playing with more rhythm, and we are more clinical up front,” he said.

“The objective was to finish first, and now we just need to keep working and getting better for the next game.”

Also read: Morocco Clinch Dramatic 4-2 Win Over Haiti

He added that Brazil’s focus now shifts to maintaining consistency in the knockout rounds, where defensive solidity and collective discipline are expected to be crucial.