By Alexandra Whyte
Scotland’s historic qualification dreams seem to be slipping through their fingers after an agonising 3-0 defeat against five-time champions Brazil.
Carlo Ancelotti’s South American team are safely through to the knockout stages, coming out on top of Group C, whereas Steve Clarke’s team face an agonising wait to see how they fare amongst the other third-place finishers.
Early goal
Scotland seemed composed in the first few minutes of the game, maintaining control and keeping Brazil at bay.
BBC commentator James McFadden said: “You can tell by the line-up, it’s one that’s going to be one that’s going to try and have elements of control and that’s a great early start, that composure there.”
However, a lapse in concentration from centre-back Scott McKenna allowed Brazil’s 19-year-old right winger Rayan to assist Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior with an exceptionally cheeky goal straight into an undefended net.
Angus Gunn was way out of the goal area and almost into the penalty area when Vini Jr came around the back of the goalkeeper, who is being eyed up by Manchester United for a transfer.
The early goal made Vini Jr just one of five Brazilians who have scored three matches in a row at the FIFA World Cup.
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Second goal controversy
Another mistake, this time by Jack Hendry, saw Vini Jr get past Scotland’s defence and score a sensational second goal in the 21st minute.
Brazil were in the throes of celebration when Mexican referee Cesar Ramos called for a VAR check.
The midway lead by Brazil was overturned after Vini Jr was found to have fouled Hendry by placing his foot in front of the centre-back.
The controversial decision was met by boos from the largely Brazilian stands and relief from Scotland’s Tartan Army.
Domination
While Brazil continued to put pressure on Scotland, both teams had got into the swing of things and were keeping each other on high alert.
Scotland’s Nathan Patterson played some excellent defending, preventing a diving flick attempt by Matheus Cunha in the 44th minute.
With an extra five minutes being added to the first half, Brazil grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
A far kick at the very edge of Scotland’s penalty area by Brazil’s Bruno Guimarães seemed optimistic, but Vini Jr was there once again with a brilliant header straight into the back of the net.
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Half-time hype
It seems Scotland had a good talking to from Clarke because they descended on the second half with a ferocity that had been expected from the get-go.
Scott McTominay, who currently plays for Italian Serie A club Napoli, had a blinder of a header that looked like it was going straight to the back of the net but went straight into the hands of Brazilian and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
However, it was not meant to be for the Scotland team after a brilliant pass from Guimarães, before Manchester United star Matheus Cunha scored an excellent goal.
Cunha also shared a ‘heartwarming’ hug with fellow United player, Tyler Fletcher, when the pair met to shake hands on the pitch.
What’s next?
Brazil are safely through to the knockout stages as they are top of Group C with seven points and a six-goal difference ahead of Morocco.
They will be hoping to secure their sixth record-breaking win at this year’s competition and their first since 2002.
Scotland would have been hoping for Haiti to secure a win, though the fourth-place finishers gave it their best shot and ended the tournament with a 4-2 defeat against Morocco.
They now face an anxious wait to see where they will finish in the third-place group, with nine teams still to play their final match and only the top eight going through.
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