Brazil eased into the World Cup last 32 on Wednesday with a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland, while South Africa, Canada, and Bosnia-Herzegovina made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
The five-time world champions finished top of Group C after their win in Miami, edging Morocco on goal difference. Morocco also booked a place in the next round after defeating Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta.
South Africa pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to finish second in Group A. The result earned them a last-32 showdown with Canada, who also secured a historic first-ever progression to the knockout rounds after finishing runners-up in Group B.
For Scotland, however, the day ended in disappointment. A poor defensive display left them on the verge of elimination as Brazil dominated proceedings at Hard Rock Stadium.
Vinicius Junior starred for the Selecao with a first-half brace. The Real Madrid forward capitalized on a costly error by Scott McKenna to open the scoring in the seventh minute before heading home Brazil’s second just before halftime. Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha sealed the victory with a third goal in the 60th minute.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also handed veteran forward Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, bringing the all-time leading Brazilian scorer off the bench in the second half.
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“We played as a collective, and that’s a good thing,” Ancelotti said after the match. “There are many positive things, including Neymar’s return, which can help us.”
South Africa’s victory over South Korea was arguably the day’s biggest surprise. Having opened their campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico, Hugo Broos’ side bounced back impressively, with Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike proving decisive.
The win sent South Africa into the knockout stage after failing to progress in their previous three World Cup appearances.
“It’s very difficult to explain how it feels. It’s a fantastic experience,” Broos said. “After we scored, it was a long wait for the final whistle.”
South Africa will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Canada advanced despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver. They secured second place in Group B based on goal difference, ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who defeated Qatar 3-1.
Bosnia’s celebrations continued later in the day when FIFA confirmed their qualification as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, ensuring a maiden appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.
Elsewhere, Mexico maintained its perfect Group A record with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca.
Mateo Chavez opened the scoring in the 55th minute before Julian Quinones doubled the advantage six minutes later. Alvaro Fidalgo completed the rout deep into stoppage time.
Mexico also gave veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa a late appearance, allowing the 40-year-old to feature in a remarkable sixth World Cup finals.
Mexico advanced to the last 32 with a flawless record, while the Czech Republic exited the tournament after finishing bottom of the group.
