World Cup: Ancelotti hails Vinicius as Brazil beat Scotland 3-0

Vinicius Junior continued his impressive World Cup form, scoring twice to lead Brazil to a 3-0 victory over Scotland and secure their place in the last 32 as Group C winners. The Real Madrid forward netted two goals in the first half in Miami, setting Brazil on their way to a dominant win.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti lauded the 25-year-old's performance, stating, "I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup." He added, "For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header, which is very rare for him. I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world."

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I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup. For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header, which is very rare for him. I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world.

Vinicius Junior has now scored four goals in three games at the tournament, matching Brazil's Ronaldo and Rivaldo from 2002 by scoring in all three group matches. This feat places him in esteemed company, as only Jairzinho (1970) and Romario (1994) have achieved this before, with Brazil going on to win the World Cup in those instances.

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I am not that bothered about numbers. I am not used to scoring so many goals, but the coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team.

Vinicius Junior himself expressed satisfaction with his goal-scoring form, attributing it to adapting to a new position. "I am not used to scoring so many goals, but the coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team," he told Brazilian broadcaster CazeTV. He hopes to continue his form through to the final.

Matheus Cunha scored Brazil's other goal against Scotland. The team will now travel to Houston for their last-32 tie against the runners-up of Group F.

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He deserved to come on. He has worked hard and trained hard to recover fitness. He has done it very professionally. He has the quality to help the team at this World Cup and he played well in the few minutes he was on. He needs no motivation to play for Brazil, none of the players do. He is 34 but he has the same passion for playing football as a kid.