Three minutes into first-half stoppage time, Vinicius Jr danced in the heat of Miami, showcasing his Brazilian flair. The world may see more of it as Brazil gets into gear. Signs of that were evident in the 3-0 win against Scotland.
South Africa stunned South Korea to enter the knockout round for the first time, with a defensive masterclass after Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute goal in the 1-0 win.
Vinicius Jr has laid down a marker on Lionel Messi's stomping ground, with four goals in three games, the same as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, and one behind Messi.
His brace on Wednesday placed him in a group with Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Jairzinho, and Romario – Brazilians who have scored in all group games in a World Cup.
Brazil has not won the World Cup since 2002, but they have improved in every half since the poor start against Morocco.
Carlo Ancelotti tweaked things after the 1-1 draw, introducing Matheus Cunha and Danilo, which gave Vinicius Jr and the wide right the space to cut inside.
Rayan, 19, has been in the role since Raphinha pulled up injured, and he was responsible for the first goal, forcing an error from Scott McKenna, before Vinicius Jr rounded off Angus Gunn to make the most of the gift in the seventh minute.
Vinicius Jr's performance in this World Cup has been impressive, slipping into places Scotland didn't expect him to, and with his goals, he has laid down a marker on Lionel Messi's stomping ground.
