The controversy erupted in the 22nd minute after Scotland defender Jack Hendry hesitated in possession deep inside his own half. Vinicius pounced, won the ball and raced through before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Mateo Chavez gave Mexico the lead in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones took advantage of disarray in the Czech defence six minutes later to extend the lead.

South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

After an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener, Brazil have clicked into gear with successive wins, and Ancelotti said his side were becoming the solid, collective unit he wants for the knockout rounds.

Ancelotti's decision to recall Neymar for the World Cup was controversial, but while Vinicius is around, the wily Italian knows the thirtysomething is simply another option up front rather than the main one he was for so long.

Despite the inevitable scrutiny that follows England wherever they go, this is far from a crisis. Credit must instead go to a Ghana side that arrived with a plan, committed fully to it, and executed it brilliantly.

From Vinicius’ clinical finishing to Cunha’s joyful celebration and Neymar’s emotional comeback, Brazil delivered a memorable evening of football and flair.

Brazil topped the standings on seven points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference and Haiti finished bottom without a point.

Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 to win World Cup Group C.

They defeated Qatar 3-1 earlier in their last Group B game in Seattle to finish third with four points behind Switzerland and Canada but had to wait for other results to be confirmed as one of the qualifiers.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti made one change to face Scotland in Wednesday's final World Cup Group C match from the team that beat Haiti 3-0, with forward Rayan replacing injured winger Raphinha. The Scots made four changes.

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi struck second-half goals for Switzerland as they beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.

While fans are eager to witness his undeniable quality back on the international stage, team management faces a delicate balancing act to manage his workload.

England remain top of Group L and are still firmly on course for the knockout stages, but the stalemate raised fresh questions about whether Tuchel's side possess the creativity and variety required to break down stubborn opponents.

Lionel Messi may be making his case as football's greatest of all time with a stunning World Cup run so far, but in Kansas City, another Messi, a goat, is winning fans by munching weeds along the Missouri River.

This gallery captures the defining images of the world cup so far, celebrating the unmatched passion of the fans, the unforgettable matchday atmosphere, and the pure joy of the global game.

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered an encouraging update on Neymar ahead of Brazil's decisive World Cup group-stage clash against Scotland, declaring the veteran forward fully fit and ready to play after recovering from a calf injury.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup, insisting that for football's governing body they are driven purely by sporting considerations and not commercial interests.

When Sweden's Yasin Ayari scored seven minutes into his World Cup debut he raised his arms in apology rather than celebration out of respect for Tunisia, where his father is from.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said his team had been frustrated by one of the most robust defensive displays he had ever seen in Tuesday's 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana, and he urged fans to stay positive.