Vinicius Junior's two-goal performance pushed Scotland to the edge of World Cup elimination as Brazil clinically capitalised on their defensive blunders in Miami on Wednesday. With this 3-0 victory, the Selecao sealed the top position in Group C, while Scotland’s hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams now hang by a thread.

The first half was defined by three costly Scottish errors — one they escaped from and two that Brazil ruthlessly exploited. Just seven minutes in, Scott McKenna’s clearance was blocked, allowing Vinicius Jr to keep his composure, round Angus Gunn, and slot the ball home into an empty net.

The Real Madrid star thought he had doubled his tally 15 minutes later after dispossessing Jack Hendry and finishing neatly between the goalkeeper’s legs, but VAR ruled it out for a slight foul in the build-up. The contact was minimal, yet the decision stood.

Vinicius eventually got his second goal before half-time. After Matheus Cunha saw his effort cleared off the line, Scotland failed twice to clear their lines, and Bruno Guimaraes delivered a superb deep cross that Vinicius headed in during stoppage time.

The Brazilian forward should have completed his hat-trick just six minutes after the restart but struggled to control the ball when through on goal. Brazil didn't have to wait long for a third, though, as Cunha swept home from close range on the hour mark following fine work by Guimaraes inside the area.

That goal briefly woke Scotland up, with Alisson forced into action to palm away a free-kick and then make a sharp save from Scott McTominay’s header moments later. Vinicius wasted a couple more opportunities to complete his hat-trick, but by then, his contribution had already secured the points for Brazil.

Brazil player ratings from Miami:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (7/10): A spectator for much of the match but made two crucial saves in the second half in quick succession.

Danilo (6/10): Rarely troubled by John McGinn. Booked for a poor tackle after the break and fortunate to avoid a second yellow.

Marquinhos (6/10): Enjoyed a comfortable evening against a toothless Scottish attack. Distributed the ball calmly from the back.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10): Made an important early intervention, dominated in the duels, and completed several precise passes.

Douglas Santos (6/10): Faced a stern challenge from the lively Ben Gannon-Doak but contributed well going forward.

Midfield

Bruno Guimaraes (8/10): His pinpoint cross set up Vinicius’ second goal. Displayed great composure to assist Cunha for the third.

Casemiro (7/10): Produced a key defensive tackle inside his own box. Played a vital part in the third goal with a superb through ball.

Lucas Paqueta (7/10): Worked tirelessly defensively and nearly provided an assist for what would have been Vinicius’ hat-trick.

Attack

Rayan (7/10): Showed quick reactions to pressure McKenna, leading to the opening goal. Constantly looked dangerous on the ball.

Matheus Cunha (7/10): Came alive late in the first half and was unlucky not to score earlier. Found the net with a composed finish later on.

Vinicius Junior (8/10): Calmly rounded the goalkeeper for the opener, denied a second by VAR before heading home his brace. Should have had a hat-trick.

Substitutes & Manager

Fabinho (5/10): Picked up a booking for a cynical foul.

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10): Saw little of the ball after coming on from the bench on the left flank.

Neymar (5/10): Received a huge ovation on his return but looked rusty and off the pace. Managed one shot on target.

Alex Sandro (N/A): Introduced late to help close out the contest.

Endrick (N/A): Entered too late to make any significant impact with the game already decided.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10): Enjoyed the kind of controlled performance he would have wanted. His team secured top spot with minimal fuss, as Scotland’s errors made things easier.