Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland gave Vinícius Júnior the standout Fantasy return and secured first place in Group C. For Scotland, defensive errors have turned qualification into a numbers game: they need four results elsewhere to go their way to reach the Round of 32.
The match data reflected Brazil’s control. Carlo Ancelotti’s team had more possession, recorded over 3.0 more expected goals, created five more big chances and took seven more shots. Scotland managed 14 attempts and 1.04 xG, but couldn’t convert them.
Fantasy points and match statistics are available through the World Cup Toolkit.
Vinícius sets the pace
- Goals: Vinícius, Cunha
- Assists: Rayan, Guimarães (two)
- Tackle bonus: Casemiro, Ferguson
- Chances created bonus: Paquetá, Guimarães
- Shots on target bonus: Cunha
- Top Fantasy scorers: Vinícius (15), Guimarães (12), Cunha (10), Santos (9)
Vinícius ($10.0m) finished with 15 points after scoring twice. A Scotland defensive lapse gave him the opening goal; he controlled the loose ball and finished calmly. He briefly thought he had another after taking possession from a defender, but a foul ruled it out.
The Real Madrid forward remained a threat. He set up a chance for Matheus Cunha ($7.3m) that was cleared off the line, then headed in his second just before half-time from Bruno Guimarães’ ($6.8m) cross.
Brazil’s supporting cast is clicking
Guimarães and Cunha both strengthened their cases as Fantasy options. Lucas Paquetá ($6.5m) split Scotland’s defence with a pass, Guimarães beat two defenders and played Cunha through for his third goal of the tournament. Cunha scored from one of five attempts, while Guimarães has now supplied three assists in the competition.
Rayan ($5.6m) helped create Brazil’s opener by reacting first to Scotland’s mistake. The Bournemouth winger later fashioned a chance with close control, only to be denied by the goalkeeper, and recorded four key passes.
Neymar ($7.2m) came on to a loud reception as he returned from injury. His minutes give Brazil another attacking option, though whether he can break into the front three remains an open question. Ancelotti said Neymar had earned the appearance through his work in training and could help the team “even in the few minutes he plays.”
Brazil’s attack now looks more connected than it did in the opening match against Morocco. Fantasy managers will also be watching Raphinha’s ($8.2m) recovery. Before the Scotland game, Ancelotti described a small muscle problem in the back of the winger’s right thigh and said the team hoped he would recover during the tournament.
Scotland’s route depends on other groups
Kieran Tierney ($4.3m) and Scott McTominay ($6.5m) were Scotland’s most threatening players. Tierney found McTominay twice, but neither opening produced a goal. Scott McKenna ($3.8m), involved in the error that led to Brazil’s first, also missed a headed chance from John McGinn’s ($6.0m) accurate cross.
Scotland’s four points may still be enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, but the team no longer controls its fate. Their defensive display also gives Fantasy managers reason to scrutinize opponents facing Scotland if they progress. Manager Steve Clarke summed up the uncertainty after the match: “At the moment, I think we’re probably going home.”
Scotland need four of the following outcomes:
- Group E: Germany avoid defeat to Ecuador, and Ivory Coast avoid defeat to Curaçao.
- Group G: Egypt beat Iran, and Belgium avoid defeat to New Zealand.
- Group H: Spain beat Uruguay.
- Group K: DR Congo do not beat Uzbekistan.
- Group I: Senegal do not beat Iraq.
- Group D: Australia beat Paraguay by two goals.
- Group J: Austria beat Algeria by two goals.
- Group F: Japan beat Sweden by four goals.
- Group L: Ghana beat Croatia by three goals.
Brazil’s place in the Round of 32 is secured; Scotland’s next step now depends on results across nine groups.
