After a sticky opening draw with Morocco, Brazil found their gears. A comfortable 3-0 win over Scotland sealed top spot in Group C and sent the five-time champions into the knockouts in ominous form.
Vinícius Júnior and the Seleção's attack carried a fluency that had been missing on opening night, and Scotland — who failed to score in the group — had no answer. Brazil's reward is a Round of 32 meeting with Japan in Houston.
For a nation chasing a record-extending sixth title and their first since 2002, momentum at the right time matters. Read more on Vinícius and the stars to watch.