Neymar inspires, Vinicius delivers

If not Neymar, then who?

The answer to that question, often asked whenever doubts emerge around Brazil, is being delivered by Vinicius Junior at this World Cup -- perhaps without the attention he deserves, but certainly with greater conviction than ever before.

The loudest cheer inside Miami Stadium on Wednesday came in the 76th minute. Unsurprisingly, it was reserved for Neymar, who stepped onto the pitch for the first time at this tournament and marked his return to Brazil colours after 981 days away.

Yet by then, the contest was already over.

Brazil were well on their way to sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland, and once again Vinicius had been at the heart of it.

It was a night that gave Brazil supporters plenty to celebrate. Neymar was back. The Selecao secured top spot in Group C with successive convincing wins before the knockout rounds. But if there was one development that offered the greatest encouragement for Brazil's pursuit of an elusive sixth World Cup title, it was the continued brilliance of Vinicius.

For much of his international career, Vinicius has carried a reputation that followed him everywhere: a player capable of producing world-class performances for club, but unable to consistently replicate them in Brazil's famous yellow shirt.

The criticism was not entirely unfounded.

Despite starring for one of the world's most demanding clubs, Real Madrid, and playing decisive roles in many of Los Blancos' recent triumphs, Vinicius's international output stands in stark contrast, with only six goals in his first 39 appearances for Brazil.

That narrative, however, has changed dramatically since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the national team.

The coach who oversaw the most productive period of Vinicius' club career has helped unlock a more decisive version of the winger at the international level as well.

After his brace against Scotland, Vinicius now has 13 goals in 52 appearances for Brazil. More significantly, he has already scored four times in three World Cup matches, placing himself firmly among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

His exploits have also earned him a place alongside some of Brazil's greatest World Cup performers. Vinicius is now tied for the most goals scored by a Brazilian during the group stage of a single World Cup, matching the achievements of Ronaldo in 2002, Neymar in 2014 and Jairzinho in 1970.

Across Brazil's last two World Cups, he has now been directly involved in eight of their last 15 goals.

Ancelotti, however, was quick to dismiss suggestions that he deserves credit for the transformation.

"It's very rewarding to see Vinicius like this. I had no doubt he could reach this level. I wasn't the one who discovered Vini -- he's a top-class player, one of the best in the world," the Italian said after the match.

Brazil themselves appear to be growing stronger with every outing.

Their opening draw against Morocco was far from convincing, but Vinicius' individual brilliance helped rescue a point. He maintained his scoring touch in a much-improved performance against Haiti and delivered again against Scotland.

In doing so, he became only the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group-stage matches of a single World Cup, joining Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), Ronaldo Nazario (2002) and Rivaldo (2002).

For Brazil supporters, there is another encouraging detail attached to that statistic: on each previous occasion, the Selecao went on to lift the trophy.

Vinicius could even have completed his first international hattrick against Scotland had a VAR review not ruled out what remains a highly debated decision. Also, the Scottish defence looked unsettled whenever he received possession, while goalkeeper Angus Gunn was repeatedly called into action to deny him.

Perhaps the most intriguing moment came late in the match.

Neymar threaded a pass into the path of Vinicius, combining Brazil's most beloved figure with their most in-form player. It was only a fleeting glimpse, but one that hinted at what could lie ahead.

Neymar's return has restored excitement, belief and emotion around this Brazil side. Yet it is Vinicius who has been driving their resurgence on the pitch.

As the knockout stage approaches -- with a Round of 32 meeting against either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden awaiting -- Brazil will hope their steady improvement continues.

If Neymar's comeback has made Brazil dream again, Vinicius' form is the reason those dreams increasingly feel realistic.