MIAMI GARDENS — Brazilian star Neymar has officially joined the World Cup party.
Neymar came on as a substitute for Brazil in the 77th minute of a group-stage match with Scotland on Wednesday, June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium. He replaced striker Matheus Cunha while Brazil led 3-0.
Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to win Group C, edging second-place Morocco on goal difference.
The 34-year-old Brazilian legend had yet to appear in this World Cup as he nursed a calf injury, which kept him out of the team’s first two group stage matches against Morocco and Haiti.
“I think he deserved the opportunity to play, which is why I gave him that opportunity,” Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “He’s been preparing very well and he’s been very serious about it.
“Because of his quality, I think he could play and help the team. I think he did well even though he played for just a few minutes.”
One of his successors in the Brazilian attack tallied the match’s opening goals thanks to a pair of Scotland errors.
Vinícius Junior scored in the seventh minute and the third minute of first-half stoppage time, breaking the hearts of “Tartan Army” supporters who’d trekked to South Florida. Brazil led Scotland 2-0 at halftime.
In the seventh minute, Scotland center back Scott McKenna had a pass intercepted by Brazilian forward Rayan in his own box, who then passed to Vinícius for the game’s opening goal.
The error came in front of the largest Scottish supporters’ section, who had only moments earlier serenaded Brazil with sarcastic chants after Scotland enjoyed an extended period of possession.
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Scotland again got into trouble while playing out of the back in the 22nd minute when defender Jack Hendry was stripped by Vinícius Jr., who scored easily past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Only a VAR review, which decided Vinícius fouled Hendry, saved the Scottish.
The plucky underdogs did not seem to learn their lesson, however, continuing to play out of the back. In first-half stoppage time, another Scottish turnover in the back line led to a Brazilian cross which found the head of Vinícius at the back post.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Neymar makes 2026 World Cup debut against Scotland in Miami
Reporting by Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
