**Matheus Cunha started in Brazil’s convincing win over Scotland in their final group game at the World Cup.**  
As expected, after a strong [goalscoring performance against Haiti](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/matheus-cunha-makes-man-utd-world-cup-history-with-incredible-brazil-milestone/), [Matheus Cunha](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/matheus-cunha/) led the line for Brazil against Scotland.

It was the 11th time these two nations met and the fifth time at a [World Cup](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/world-cup/).  
The game ended 3-0 in Brazil’s favour following goals from Vinicius Junior (x2) and [Matheus Cunha](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/matheus-cunha/).

**Matheus Cunha shines against Scotland**  
Ahead of the match, Scotland substitute [Tyler Fletcher](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/tyler-fletcher/) shared a moment with his United teammate Cunha.  
Cunha hugged the [United academy graduate](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/academy/every-single-manchester-united-academy-graduate-as-ethan-wheatley-becomes-250/), attending his first-ever World Cup, an incredible milestone for a 19-year-old.  
Cunha was crucial for Brazil as he gave Vinicius Junior and Rayan more freedom in forward positions

Shortly after the hour mark, Cunha got the scoresheet with a cool finish to make it 3-0, thanks to an assist from Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.  
The Brazilian fans erupted in the 76th minute when Neymar came on to make his first appearance at the [2026 World Cup](https://www.unitedinfocus.com/tag/world-cup-2026/). In doing so, the former Barcelona and PSG star replaced Cunha.  
With a 92% pass success rate and a total of four shots (two on target), it was another solid display from Cunha.  
Cunha touched the ball 38 times and was given a rating of 8.4 by Futmob.

**Matheus Cunha did enough to keep his place in Brazil line-up**  
Carlo Ancelotti will be trying to get the best out of his star attacking players, like Vinicius, and Cunha helps the Brazil side achieve that.  
There have been calls in Brazil for Endrick to start, but he’s got many years ahead of him, and Cunha has hardly put a foot wrong in the last two matches.  
Cunha has three World Cup goals to his name for Brazil going into the knockout phase, but it’s his ability to unlock Vinicius that truly warrants his place in the team.

How Matheus Cunha fared in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland - Dale O’Donnell