Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Vinicius Junior as “one of the best players in the world” after the Real Madrid forward scored twice in a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Vinicius struck twice in the first half in Miami, including a rare headed goal, to inspire Brazil to victory and secure top spot in Group C as the five-time world champions advanced to the Round of 32.
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“I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup,” Ancelotti said of the 25-year-old, who has now scored four goals in three matches at the tournament.
“For him, it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header, which is very rare for him.
“I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world,” added Ancelotti, who managed the winger for four years at Real Madrid.
Vinicius Continues Red-Hot Form
Vinicius had already scored in Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and followed that up with another goal in the 3-0 victory over Haiti.
His latest brace moved him level with France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race, with all three trailing Argentina captain Lionel Messi by one goal.
The forward also became the first Brazilian player since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in all three group-stage matches at a World Cup.
The only other Brazilians to achieve the feat are Jairzinho in 1970 and Romario in 1994, tournaments that ended with Brazil lifting the World Cup trophy.
Brazil will now travel to Houston for their Round of 32 clash next Monday, where they will face the runners-up from Group F — either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.
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