Vinicius Fires Brazil Into Group C Driving Seat

Without Neymar and carrying the weight of an entire nation’s expectations, Brazil have answered every question asked of them in the group stage. Goals from Vinicius Jr and a brace from Matheus Cunha swept Haiti aside 3-0 in their second match, sending the Seleção surging to the summit of Group C as they gear up for a decider against Scotland.

Neymar’s absence — still fighting a calf injury sustained before the tournament — loomed large heading into Brazil’s campaign. But Vinicius Jr silenced doubters with a leveller against Morocco in the opener and then scored again against Haiti, proving he can carry the attack on his own shoulders. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is building this team around the Real Madrid winger.

Scotland secured the biggest win in a generation at this tournament — their 1-0 defeat of Haiti was their first World Cup victory since 1990. Yet they followed that with a 1-0 loss to Morocco and now face an elimination battle against Brazil. For the Tartan Army, it is a mountain to climb. For Brazil, a win seals top spot and the most favourable knockout draw they could hope for.

Brazil march towards the knockout rounds with pace and confidence. If Neymar recovers in time, this Seleção — already dangerous without him — could become genuinely unstoppable. Scotland face the fight of their lives.