Miami. Vinícius Júnior scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 on Wednesday to top Group C and advance to the World Cup knockout stage.

The Real Madrid forward continued his impressive tournament, scoring in the seventh minute and again just before halftime as five-time champion Brazil secured its third consecutive victory after an opening draw.

Vinícius has now scored in all three group-stage matches and moved level with Norway's Erling Haaland and France's Kylian Mbappé on four goals, one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the tournament scoring race.

Matheus Cunha added a third goal for the Seleção, which has now reached the knockout rounds in 15 consecutive World Cups. Morocco finished second in Group C after rallying to beat Haiti 4-2 and also advanced.

Brazil opened the tournament with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco before defeating Haiti 3-0. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said his side had steadily improved during the group stage as it pursues a first World Cup title since 2002.

"We are working to play the best that we can," Ancelotti said. "But the goal is not to play well. We know that playing well makes it easier to win, but the goal is to win. If we win the World Cup, we played well. If we don't win the World Cup, we played really badly."

Brazil capitalized on an early Scottish error when 19-year-old striker Rayan set up Vinícius, who rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn and finished into an open net to make it 1-0 after seven minutes.

The Brazilian forward struck again just before halftime, heading home from close range after another defensive mistake by Scotland.

"It's always important to be scoring goals," Vinícius said. "It's important to be playing great matches, and I managed to do that. I was able to perform very well and improve. Throughout my years with the national team, there were times when I couldn't quite show my true game."

Neymar made his tournament debut in the 76th minute after recovering from a right calf injury that sidelined him for Brazil's opening two matches. Fans at Hard Rock Stadium chanted his name as the 34-year-old forward prepared to enter the game.

"I think he deserved the opportunity to play, which is why I gave him the opportunity," Ancelotti said through an interpreter. "I think he did well even though he played for just a few minutes."

Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 130 international appearances, Neymar has featured in the past three World Cups and scored eight goals in those tournaments.

Scotland, appearing in its first World Cup since 1998, was eliminated after failing to advance beyond the group stage for the ninth time. The team's supporters, known as the Tartan Army, created a festive atmosphere in Boston and Miami throughout the tournament.

"We knew they were a top side," Scotland defender Nathan Patterson said. "They have massive threats. We were trying to nullify those threats, and obviously giving them easy goals is not what you need."

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