Vinicius Jr. Stars as Brazil Close in on Top Spot in Group G

Brazil moved closer to finishing first in World Cup Group G after opening strongly against Scotland, led by a big first-half double from Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid forward also had one goal disallowed and repeatedly exploited Scotland’s poor defending.

Vinicius became the first Brazil player to score in all three group-stage matches at a World Cup. The last Brazilians to do that were Rivaldo and Ronaldo at the 2002 tournament, when Brazil went on to win its fifth and most recent world title.

With his two goals, Vinicius now has four in the 2026 World Cup and is one goal behind Lionel Messi. He is tied on four goals with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Spanish media praised his display, with Marca calling it a “hot double for Vinicius,” while AS wrote: “Vinicius is simply an alien!”