Brazil punished Scotland’s defensive frailties to advance to the World Cup’s last 32 on Wednesday as South Africa, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina completed a historic hat-trick by progressing to the knockout rounds for the first time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Five-time World Cup champions Brazil clinched first place in Group C after defeating Scotland 3-0 in Miami, topping the group on goal difference from second-placed Morocco, who secured their passage after battling to a 4-2 win over Haiti in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
South Africa stunned South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to grab second place in Group A and set up a last 32 clash with Canada, who also made history by advancing in second place from Group B.<\/p>\n
But Brazil’s victory at the Hard Rock Stadium left Scotland on the brink of elimination, dampening the mood among the travelling hordes of the famous Tartan Army.<\/p>\n
The Scots were left ruing a shaky defensive display as Brazil cruised to a comfortable win. Vinicius Junior scored twice for Brazil, pouncing on a horrendous blunder by Scott McKenna to fire the South Americans ahead in the seventh minute.<\/p>\n
The Real Madrid striker then nodded in Brazil’s second in first-half stoppage time before Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha added a third in the 60th minute.<\/p>\n
Brazil’s win also saw coach Carlo Ancelotti give veteran striker Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer coming on as a second-half substitute.<\/p>\n
“We played as a collective and that’s a good thing,” a satisfied Ancelotti said afterwards. “There are many positive things, such as Neymar’s appearance, which can help us.”<\/p>\n
– South Africa shocker –<\/p>\n
The biggest surprise of the day came in Monterrey where South Africa — who began the tournament with an abject 2-0 loss to Mexico — snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over South Korea, who had been favoured to progress.<\/p>\n
Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike settled a cagey encounter as South Africa advanced after falling at the first hurdle in three previous trips to the World Cup.<\/p>\n
“It’s very difficult to explain how it feels — it’s a fantastic experience,” South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We scored and then it was 20 minutes of heart beating and hoping the game should be finished as soon as possible.”<\/p>\n
South Africa will face World Cup co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday in the opening game of the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n
The Canadians qualified for the second round for the first time in history as runners-up in Group B despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in Vancouver earlier Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Canada claimed second place in Group B on goal difference ahead of third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina, 3-1 winners over Qatar.<\/p>\n
Bosnia were celebrating later Wednesday when FIFA confirmed they had qualified as one of the best of the eight third-placed teams, their four-point haul proving enough to send them through into the knockout stages for the first time.<\/p>\n
In the day’s other game, Mexico — who had already secured top spot in Group A with two opening wins — completed their first round with a 100 percent record after romping past the Czech Republic 3-0 in the Estadio Azteca.<\/p>\n
Mexico move on to a last-32 match in the same stadium on June 30 while the Czechs return home after finishing bottom of the group.<\/p>\n
Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defence six minutes later to extend the lead.<\/p>\n
Alvaro Fidalgo completed a sparkling evening for the Mexicans as he smashed in a cross four minutes into added time.<\/p>\n
Mexico even brought on goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as a second-half substitute, allowing the veteran to play in a sixth World Cup finals at the age of 40.<\/p>\n
rcw\/gj<\/p>\n