MIAMI GARDENS — Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior flirted with a historic hat trick on Wednesday in a dazzling World Cup performance in South Florida.
Vinícius Júnior torched Scotland for a pair of goals on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium, coming ever so close to tallying Brazil’s first World Cup hat trick since Pelé accomplished the feat in 1958.
Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to win Group C, edging second-place Morocco on goal difference.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward tallied his goals 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.
“Well, he is very, very fit,” Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “He is playing really well and I actually think he could rest a little bit more. We haven’t worked a lot when not in possession. But I think when we’re in possession, not only playing widely, but centrally, I think that’s an advantage for him.”
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 for his second goal.
Vinícius remained on the field throughout the second half in pursuit of the hat trick, making repeated forays into the Scottish defense with the match well in hand.
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: Vinícius Júnior flirts with historic World Cup hat trick 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
