Cunha hugs United teammate Fletcher before Brazil demolish Scotland 3-0 at World Cup

Matheus Cunha scored and embraced Manchester United teammate Tyler Fletcher in a moment that captured both the warmth and the ruthlessness of Brazil’s 3-0 demolition of Scotland in Miami on Wednesday, a result that secured top spot in World Cup Group C.

Before kick-off, Cunha singled out the 19-year-old Fletcher during the pre-match handshakes, pulling him into a hug that drew widespread reaction from United supporters on social media. “United brotherhood,” wrote one fan, while another noted: “Teammates now facing each other in a fierce battle.”

The goodwill did not extend to the scoreline. Scott McKenna’s seventh-minute error gifted Vinicius Junior the opener, and the Real Madrid forward struck again just before half-time to put the tie beyond Scotland. Cunha added a third to complete the rout — his third goal in as many games — before making way for Neymar in the 76th minute after earning a second consecutive start under Carlo Ancelotti. Neymar, returning from a calf injury, made his first appearance of the tournament.

For Scotland, the defeat leaves their campaign in serious jeopardy. Steve Clarke’s side finished third in Group C and must now wait until around Sunday to learn whether they are among the eight best third-placed teams to advance to the round of 32 under the expanded 48-team format. Defensive lapses proved costly throughout the group stage, and the Tartan Army have only themselves to blame for their precarious position.

Fletcher, who only made his senior debut in a friendly against Curacao in May, was called into the squad as a late replacement for Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour, ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury sustained in Scotland’s final home friendly. The teenager has been named on the bench for all three of Scotland’s group games — against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil — without making an appearance, and may yet leave the World Cup without a competitive minute to his name.

Brazil, by contrast, are through to the knockouts and are currently set to face Japan in the round of 32.