Scotland were handed a reprieve after a nightmare start to their World Cup Group C finale with Brazil with their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage hanging in the balance.
After a Scott McKenna howler, Vinicius Jr capitalised and passed into the empty net in Miami to break the deadlock. And the Tartan Army, who require a win to guarantee progress to the last 32, were almost 2-0 down when Jack Hendry was caught in possession by the Real Madrid superstar, who finished clinically. But replays showed a slight contact before Vinicius Jr pinched the ball, leading to VAR ruling out the goal and keeping Scotland within a goal.
It’s already been a memorable tournament off the pitch for the Tartan Army. And on it, despite defeat to Morocco last time out, Scotland’s opening victory against Haiti ensures their Group C fate is still in their hands. Scotland have never beaten Brazil, but a first victory would take Steve Clarke’s side through to the last-32. A draw would also likely do it, while a narrow defeat, perhaps by one goal, may also be good enough for progress.
A Scotland defeat, however, would leave the Tartan Army with a nervy wait to see they will go through as one of the eight-best third-ranked teams, a quirk of the new 48-team format that has already brought some controversy. Follow all the latest from Miami below as Scotland face Brazil:
Scotland 0-1 Brazil
Not a bad corner from Ferguson and the follow-up cross is even better from McGinn, but McKenna cushions a header across goal and there’s no teammate there to turn it in.
Scotland 0-1 Brazil
Back underway at the Miami Stadium!
Robertson does well to shrug off a challenge and win a corner.
Scotland 0-1 Brazil
Into the hydration break as Scotland have a lifeline in Miami.
NO GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Brazil
NO GOAL! It’s chalked off!
Scotland get away with one as VAR rules that Hendry was fouled by Vini Jr in the build up.
On replay, that’s the right decision.
Scotland 0-2 Brazil (Vini Jr, 22′)
GOAL! It’s another howler from the Scots and Vini Jr pounces again. He’ll never get two easier goals.
Hendry dawdles in possession on the edge of his box and as he turns to pass back to his ‘keeper Vini Jr races in and dispossesses him.
He runs clear and slots past Gunn for 2-0!
However, there’s a foul check on VAR, and this could be chalked off…
Scotland 0-1 Brazil
Gannon-Doak initially does well to retain possession but McTominay is dispossessed a little too easily. No harm for Scotland though, as Brazil are wasteful from the opening.
Scotland 0-1 Brazil
A little spell of Brazil pressure now as Danilo sees a cross headed away before Patterson does well to slide in and prevent Vini Jr getting clear, though at the expense of a corner.
Scotland 0-1 Brazil
Brazil are very settled in possession at the moment and Scotland are struggling to get out, though the Selecao aren’t looking too threatening at the moment.
