Scotland‘s hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time were dealt a huge self-inflicted blow as Vinicius Junior gave Brazil a 1-0 lead in their Group C finale in Miami, with only a controversial VAR overturn denying the same player a second.
Having beaten Haiti 1-0 before losing to Morocco, Scotland kicked off in south Florida knowing a draw with the five-time champions would almost certainly be enough to make history by sealing progression from the group stage.
Scotland would still be in a very good position with a narrow defeat, but they fell behind after just seven minutes after a dreadful error from Scott McKenna.
The Dinamo Zagreb defender was caught in possession inside his own penalty area by Bournemouth teenager Rayan, who then squared for Vinicius to round a helpless Angus Gunn and roll the ball into an empty net.
Vinicius’ goal marked his third in as many games in this World Cup, but he was controversially denied a second by VAR.
It looked as if the Real Madrid man had been presented with another gift as he robbed Jack Hendry of the ball and then slotted the ball beyond Gunn.
However, following a pitchside review, referee Cesar Ramos adjudged that Vincius had fouled Hendry as they battled for the ball.
That decision looked dubious at best, but it meant Scotland still had hope despite a very shaky start to proceedings.
