FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Junior's stunning performance helps Brazil secure win against Scotland

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior heads to score his team’s second goal against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday. PIC/AFP

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Vinicius Junior as "one of the best players in the world" after the Real Madrid forward continued his excellent World Cup form with a brace in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Scotland.

Vinicius scored twice in the first half here, including a header, to set Brazil on their way to a victory which allowed them to progress to the last 32 as winners of Group C. "I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup," said Ancelotti of the 25-year-old.

"For him [Vinicius] 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," added Ancelotti, who managed the forward for four years at Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti

Vinicius scored in Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and then also netted in the 3-0 defeat of Haiti. "I always say 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 told Brazilian broadcaster CazeTV.

Vinicius, who came second in the Ballon d'Or in 2024, netted 22 goals in 53 games in all competitions for Real last season. "Hopefully, I can keep going to the final. I am very happy with the work being done by the team. If everyone is playing well, the ball will arrive in attacking areas and we will have chances to score goals," he added.

Matheus Cunha got Brazil's other goal against Scotland, before the Manchester United player was replaced by Neymar for his first appearance for his country since October 2023. "He [Neymar] deserved to come on. He has worked hard and trained hard to recover fitness. He has done it very professionally," Ancelotti said. "He has the quality to help the team at this World Cup and he played well in the few minutes he was on," he added.

7
No of goals scored by Brazil in their three group matches, compared to just three at the same stage in the 2022 edition

4
No of goals scored by Vinicius Junior in the ongoing World Cup so far