Despite experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 28 years that had elapsed since their previous WC encounter – which came in the opening match of France ’98 – the two sides entered this one level on four points after their opening two matches. However, the first half was a one-sided affair, as five-time world champions Brazil stamped their authority on proceedings.
They required just seven minutes to break the deadlock, doing so when Rayan intercepted a poor Scott McKenna pass, allowing Vinícius to casually round Angus Gunn and tap into an empty net.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men remained on top from there. Before long, the Brazilians thought they had doubled their advantage, when Vinícius took advantage of Jack Hendry’s lapse of concentration to slot under Gunn, only for the strike to be ruled out for a foul from the Real Madrid forward.
Scotland did rally slightly, albeit without threatening Alisson Becker between the Brazil sticks. And the favourites finally went two to the good shortly before HT, as Vinícius headed Bruno Guimarães’ cross home at the back post.
Scotland's predicament could have been even worse before the interval, too, had Gunn not produced a fantastic stop to deny Rayan. However, they finally threatened at the start of the second period, as Scott McTominay headed straight at Alisson for his nation’s first shot on target in over 200 minutes at this tournament.
Before long, though, Brazil were moving through the gears once more, and Gunn was again required to deny Vinícius following a slick move. And Brazil eventually made their pressure pay, when Cunha netted his third goal of the tournament after rounding the overworked Scottish shot-stopper.
Each goal reduced Scotland’s own chances of progression to the Round of 32 as they aimed to finish as one of the eight best third-placed teams of the group stage. As such, they were more offensively-minded as the game went on, with McTominay thwarted by a great Alisson save midway through the half.
The Scots were at least able to prevent Brazil from adding to their lead – even when Neymar was introduced for his first international game in three years. Regardless, the Tartan Army still face a nervous wait to find out whether they will make it to the WC knockout stage for the first time in their history, while Brazil march on in their quest to end their 24-year wait for football’s greatest prize.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)