Vinicius Junior puts on a show: Brazil lead 2-0 at the break

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, Brazil ended the first half 2-0 up in their game hosting Scotland at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The star of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil, Vinicius Junior, stamped his mark on the first half with two goals and carried his team into the dressing room with a comfortable lead.

Brazil did not wait long to go ahead. In the 7th minute, with a Rayan assist, Vinicius Junior found the net to open the scoring: 0-1. That early goal eased Brazil and handed control of the game to the Seleção. In the 22nd minute, Vinicius Junior found the net again; but this goal was ruled out for a foul and the score stayed the same. Brazil doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time: in the 45+3 minute, on a fine Bruno Guimaraes cross, Vinicius Junior in the box headed the ball home from close range for his personal second to make it 2-0.

The first-half stats laid bare Brazil's superiority. An overwhelming expected-goals (xG) edge of 2.14 to 0.08 favoured the Seleção; Brazil had 11 shots while Scotland managed only 4. On big chances too, Brazil led 3-0. While possession was a balanced 52-48, the effective side of the game was clearly Brazil.

Scotland's goalkeeper, who also stood out with a superb save in the first half, prevented Brazil from extending the lead further; in particular, in the 45+6 minute he kept his team alive by tipping away Rayan's shot from inside the right post. Steve Clarke's Scotland will look for ways to regroup and get back into the game in the second half. But in this game where Vinicius Junior is in form and Ancelotti's star-studded side hold control, Brazil are clear favourites with their 2-0 lead.

Image: Goal