Alisson and Brazil cruised to a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium on Wednesday night, finishing as Group C winners and booking their place in the Round of 32 in convincing fashion.
The result was never really in doubt once Vinicius Junior latched onto a disastrous Scott McKenna error in just the seventh minute, calmly rounding Angus Gunn to slot home.
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The Real Madrid man had a second ruled out by VAR for a foul on Jack Hendry, but he wasn’t to be denied – heading in a Bruno Guimaraes cross just before the stroke of halftime to make it 2-0.
Matheus Cunha put the gloss on a fine team performance on the hour mark, converting another Guimaraes assist to seal a 3-0 win.
Neymar also came off the bench to make his long-awaited return to the Seleção after nearly three years away from international football.
Brazil media were complimentary of Alisson’s display, with the 33-year-old not having an awful lot to do on the night after admitting to missing Liverpool games to ensure he was fit for the World Cup campaign.
Globo gave the Liverpool No.1 a 7/10 and wrote:
“A luxury spectator in the initial stage, when he did not need to make a single save. The first was three minutes into the second half, on a header by McTominay in the middle of the goal. Then, in the 18th minute, he had his best moment, when he caught another header from McTominay, this time in the low corner, with a higher degree of demand. He appeared again in the final minutes, when he took a low shot, at close range.”
ESPN Brasil gave him a 6.5/10 and noted:
“Praised by Robertson before the game, he delivered another composed and reliable performance for the national team at the World Cup. His save from McTominay’s header was outstanding.”
As for what comes next for Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face the runners-up of Group F in Houston on June 29, and the picture should become clearer on Thursday evening.
As things stand, Japan are second in the group and would be Brazil’s most likely opponent.