BBC pundits were divided over a controversial VAR decision that disallowed a second goal for Brazil against Scotland in their World Cup Group C match in Miami on Wednesday night. Former Premier League official Darren Cann stated Scotland were 'fortunate' to have the goal ruled out, while ex-Scotland international James McFadden insisted it was a correct foul call.
First-Half Drama in Miami
Brazil took an early lead after seven minutes when Scott McKenna's error allowed Vinicius Junior to score the opener. The Real Madrid star thought he had doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute after dispossessing Jack Hendry and slotting past Angus Gunn. However, Mexican referee Cesar Ramos, after a VAR review, disallowed the strike, ruling that Vinicius Jr had fouled Hendry by placing his foot in front of the defender before he attempted to pass.
BBC Pundits Disagree
During BBC's live coverage, Darren Cann reviewed the incident and said: 'I think Scotland are a little fortunate to be honest. There is a little contact before the ball is played but I don't really feel that it's a foul by Vini Jr, he's just holding his ground and the defender just kicks into him. I think it's one Scotland will be delighted with but they are a little fortunate to get the decision.'
James McFadden, on co-commentary, strongly disagreed: 'He has [been fouled]. He has. Absolutely [a bullet dodged]. He just catches him on the right leg as he's going to play the ball, gets his foot in front of where Jack Hendry's playing it.' When asked if he shared Cann's view, McFadden added: 'No I don't, I think it's a foul. Whether it's a slight contact or not, it's a foul. When you see it back, clearly he's caught as he's in the action of kicking the ball which is enough to stop him playing the ball. He's impeded. It's a foul for me, he catches him and it's the correct decision. It's about time Scotland got a decision here.'
Brazil Extend Lead
Despite the reprieve, Vinicius Jr scored a legitimate second goal before half-time, heading in from Bruno Guimaraes' delivery after Andy Robertson lost possession and Nathan Patterson lost his marker, with Angus Gunn also misjudging the ball. Matheus Cunha added a third in the 60th minute, leaving Scotland facing a heavy defeat and a negative goal difference that could jeopardize their knockout hopes.
Scotland's World Cup Fate
Scotland entered the match with three points from a 1-0 win over Haiti, but a 1-0 loss to Morocco and the result against Brazil left them relying on being one of the best third-placed teams to advance. A defeat by two or more goals made their progression uncertain, depending on other group results. Scotland have never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup.
