Brazil secured first place in Group C after defeating Scotland 3-0 in Miami on Wednesday and South Africa, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
The five-time world champions finished level on seven points with Morocco. However, Brazil topped the group on goal difference and advanced as group winners.
Scotland struggled defensively throughout the match and paid the price early. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring in the seventh minute after capitalizing on a costly error by Scott McKenna.
The Brazilian forward doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a well-placed header. Subsequently, Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha added a third goal in the 60th minute.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also handed Neymar his first appearance of the tournament. The veteran striker entered as a second-half substitute and received a warm welcome from supporters.
After the match, Ancelotti praised his team’s collective performance and highlighted Neymar’s return as a positive development ahead of the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Morocco booked their place in the last 32 with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Haiti. The North Africans twice came from behind before securing all three points.
Despite matching Brazil’s seven-point tally, Morocco finished second on goal difference. As a result, they will face the winners of Group F in the next round.
The biggest surprise of the day came in Monterrey. South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 to claim second place in Group A and reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute. Consequently, South Africa advanced after previous World Cup group-stage exits.
Canada also achieved a historic milestone despite a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland. The Canadians progressed as Group B runners-up on goal difference.
Bosnia-Herzegovina joined them in the knockout phase after FIFA confirmed qualification among the best third-placed teams. Elsewhere, Mexico completed a perfect group-stage campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
