MIAMI: Brazil secured top spot in Group C and advanced to the World Cup round of 32 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland on Wednesday, while South Africa, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
The five-time world champions finished first in the group on goal difference after Vinicius Junior scored twice and Matheus Cunha added a third in a dominant display at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The result left Scotland facing likely elimination after a costly defensive performance. Vinicius opened the scoring in the seventh minute after capitalizing on a mistake by defender Scott McKenna before adding a second in first-half stoppage time. Cunha sealed the win with a strike in the 60th minute.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also handed veteran forward Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, introducing the country’s all-time leading scorer as a second-half substitute.
“We played as a collective and that’s a good thing,” Ancelotti said after the match. “There are many positive things, such as Neymar’s appearance, which can help us.”
Morocco joined Brazil in the knockout stage after defeating Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta. The North Africans twice came from behind to secure victory and finished level on seven points with Brazil but were placed second on goal difference.
The biggest upset of the day came in Monterrey, where South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 to secure second place in Group A and qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, completing a remarkable turnaround for South Africa after opening the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
“It’s very difficult to explain how it feels,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said. “It’s a fantastic experience.”
South Africa will face Canada in the round of 32 after the Canadians also reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Canada progressed despite a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver, finishing second in Group B on goal difference.
Bosnia-Herzegovina also celebrated a historic breakthrough after FIFA confirmed their qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Their 3-1 victory over Qatar and four-point group-stage tally proved enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Mexico completed a perfect group-stage campaign with a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca.
Already assured of first place in Group A, Mexico maintained their 100 percent record through goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo.
The victory ensured Mexico advance to a round-of-32 match at the Estadio Azteca on June 30, while the Czech Republic exited the tournament after finishing bottom of the group.
Mexico also brought on veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the 40-year-old to appear in a sixth World Cup finals.
The knockout stage begins this weekend, with Brazil, Morocco, Mexico, South Africa, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina among the teams advancing in pursuit of the World Cup title.