Brazil punished Scotland’s defensive frailties to advance to the World Cup’s last 32 as South Africa, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina completed a historic hat-trick by progressing to the knockout rounds for the first time.
Five-time World Cup champions Brazil clinched first place in Group C after defeating Scotland 3-0 in Miami, topping the group on goal difference from second-placed Morocco, who secured their passage after battling to a 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta.
South Africa stunned South Korea, 1-0, in Monterrey to grab second place in Group A and set up a last 32 clash with Canada, who also made history by advancing in second place from Group B.
But Brazil’s victory at the Hard Rock Stadium left Scotland on the brink of elimination, dampening the mood among the traveling hordes of the famous Tartan Army.
The Scots were left ruing a shaky defensive display as Brazil cruised to a comfortable win. Vinicius Junior scored twice for Brazil, pouncing on a horrendous blunder by Scott McKenna to fire the South Americans ahead in the seventh minute.
The Real Madrid striker then nodded in Brazil’s second in first-half stoppage time before Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha added a third in the 60th minute.
Brazil’s win also saw coach Carlo Ancelotti give veteran striker Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer coming on as a second-half substitute.
South Africa shocker
The biggest surprise of the day came in Monterrey where South Africa — who began the tournament with an abject 2-0 loss to Mexico — snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over South Korea, who had been favored to progress.
Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike settled a cagey encounter as South Africa advanced after falling at the first hurdle in three previous trips to the World Cup.
South Africa will face World Cup co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles in the opening game of the knockout rounds.
The Canadians qualified for the second round for the first time in history as runners-up in Group B despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in Vancouver.
Canada claimed second place in Group B on goal difference, ahead of third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, 3-1, winners over Qatar.
Bosnia were celebrating later when FIFA confirmed they had qualified as one of the best of the eight third-placed teams, their four-point haul proving enough to send them through into the knockout stages for the first time.
In the day’s other game, Mexico — who had already secured top spot in Group A with two opening wins — completed their first round with a 100 percent record after romping past the Czech Republic, 3-0, in the Estadio Azteca.
Mexico moves on to a last-32 match in the same stadium on June 30 while the Czechs return home after finishing bottom of the group.
Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defense six minutes later to extend the lead. (Agence France-Presse)