Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Morocco Advance To Second Round

Brazil strolled into the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium.

With two first-half goals, Vinicius Junior led the way for the five-times champions who can now look forward to a Houston encounter with Group F’s runners-up on June 29. For Scotland, the dream of surviving the group stage for the first time remains in the balance. They sit third in the section with three points and a goal difference of minus three.

Matheus Cunha scored Brazil’s third goal. Brazil introduced the much-awaited Neymar Jr, the veteran superstar appearing in his fourth successive World Cup, as a late substitute. It was his first appearance in this World Cup.

Achraf Hakimi dazzled as Morocco finished as runners-up in group C thanks to a thrilling 3-2 win over the excellent Haiti on Match day 14.

Morocco came from behind to defeat a dogged Haiti team in their final match Wednesday. The Atlas Lions suffered a huge scare with Les Grenadiers twice taking the lead but they finished on top at last.

Haiti scored two historic goals – their first World Cup goals in 52 years – before waving goodbye to the tournament.

Until then the tiny Caribbean island nation had scored only two goals in tournament history, both netted by Emmanuel Sanon during their debut appearance at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.

Johan Manzambi, 20, scored one and set up another as Switzerland overcame Canada 2-1 to top Group B, while 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic spurred Bosnia and Herzegovina to a victory over Qatar that sent them through as one of the best third-placed teams.

As Mexico became the first nation to advance with maximum points, South Africa joined them with an upset that left South Korea facing an anxious wait for qualifying from Group A.

Mexico wrapped up their group-stage matches with a third straight victory by beating Czechia 3-0 with goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo. The defeat in turn means Czechia have been eliminated.

40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was sent by the coach to guard the Mexican goalmouth with 12 minutes remaining, marking his sixth appearance in the World Cup.

A second-half goal from winger Thapelo Maseko helped South Africa overcome an energetic South Korea in an exciting but low-scoring game to advance to the knockout stage at the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

As runners-up in Group A, Bafana Bafana will play their next match in Los Angeles on June 28 against Group B runners-up Canada.

Thursday’s match schedule:

Curaçao – Côte d’Ivoire (16:00 ET)
Group E (Philadelphia)

Ecuador – Germany (16:00)
Group E (New Jersey)

Japan – Sweden (19:00)
Group F (Dallas)

Tunisia – Netherlands (19:00)
Group F (Kansas City)

Türkey – United States (22:00)
Group D (Los Angeles)

Paraguay – Australia (22:00)
Group D (San Francisco Bay Area)

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