Facing a Scotland side looking to respond after their 1-0 defeat to Morocco, Brazil, who beat Haiti 3-0 in their previous match, took an early lead. The Auriverde showed attacking intensity from the start and are narrowly dominating possession, with 52% to their opponents’ 48%.

The opening goal came after Rayan set up Vinícius Júnior, underlining Brazil’s attacking coordination. Vinícius Júnior is confirming his major role in Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking setup, with Brazil lined up in a 4-3-3. Over the first half as a whole, Brazil hit the target only once but had five shots on goal, illustrating their efficiency.

For Scotland, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 under Steve Clarke, the lack of clear chances is notable. The Scots did not manage a single shot, reflecting their difficulties in breaking through a solid Brazilian defence featuring Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães. Balanced possession and an 87% pass accuracy rate were not enough for the Scots to create danger.

Brazil’s midfield of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá managed to impose its rhythm, putting the opposing defence to work and feeding the attacking efficiency of the trio of Rayan, Matheus Cunha and Vinícius Júnior. The VAR intervention also worked in Brazil’s favour by ruling out a goal potentially awarded to Vinícius in the 22nd minute.