By Tobi TAIWO
Vinicius Jr mesmerised again and netted twice to lead Brazil tons dominant 3-0 win over Scotland to zoom to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
However, it was forward Neymar that stole the show after returning in the 70th minutes and leaving the field in tears-joyfull tears.
The scoreline shot Brazil to the top of their Group with seven points while Morocco finished in second position after a 4-2 win against Haiti.
Brazilian legend Kaka explained Neymar’s tears after the final whistle against Scotland:“Seeing Neymar emotional after the final whistle was a reminder that football is about much more than what happens on the pitch.
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People see the goals, the assists, and the results, but they don’t always see the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the hard work behind those moments. Neymar has carried the responsibility of representing Brazil for many years, and that comes with great pressure.
“He has faced injuries, criticism, and many difficult moments throughout his career. There were times when people doubted him, but he continued to work and never stopped believing he could return to this stage.
“When you wear the Brazil shirt, you carry the dreams of an entire nation. That’s why those tears were so meaningful. They were not just about this match, but about the journey that brought him back here.
“I was happy to see him on the pitch again, healthy and competing for Brazil. Moments like these remind us that resilience is one of the greatest qualities an athlete can have.”
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Thierry Henry believed Neymar’s impact against Scotland was felt. “The game changed the moment Neymar came on. That’s what the very best players do. They don’t need 90 minutes to leave their mark on a match.
“He played around 20 minutes and still managed to create three chances. That tells you everything about his quality. It’s not just about goals or assists, it’s about how he sees the game and how quickly he can unlock a defence.
“Every time he received the ball, Scotland had to adjust. He was asking questions, finding spaces and creating opportunities for his teammates. Brazil immediately looked more dangerous in attack.
“What I always look at is influence. Can a player change the rhythm of a game? Can he make the opposition uncomfortable? Neymar did exactly that tonight. For all the talent Brazil have,” added Thierry.
