Vini Jr sparkles as Brazil reach last 32; Mexico stay perfect in Group A

Vinicius Junior continued his impressive World Cup form, scoring twice as Brazil comfortably defeated Scotland 3-0 to advance to the knockout stage as Group C winners.

The Real Madrid star opened the scoring early with a defensive error and added a second in first-half stoppage time. Matheus Cunha sealed the victory with a third goal on the hour mark. Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, also saw Neymar make his return to international play in the closing stages of the match.

Despite doubts about their status as genuine contenders, Brazil's dominant group stage performance, finishing top, sets them up for a last-32 tie in Houston against the runner-up of Group F. Vinicius Junior's four goals place him among the tournament's top scorers, a feat not achieved by a Brazilian in the group stage since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002.

Scotland, meanwhile, face another potential early exit from a major tournament, having been eliminated at the group stage in all previous eight World Cup appearances. Their defeat to Brazil, coupled with other results, leaves them in a precarious position.

In Group A, co-hosts Mexico cemented their top spot with a flawless record, defeating the Czech Republic 3-0. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo secured their perfect group stage. Mexico will play their last-32 match in the Estadio Azteca on June 30, while the Czech Republic returns home after finishing last in the group.