Before the match, I wandered through the Vancouver Art Gallery and stood transfixed before Emily Carr's *Big Raven* — that brooding, elemental power, a single figure commanding all the space around it, which is precisely how Vinícius Júnior makes Scotland's defence feel tonight. Bruno Guimarães is the quiet conductor in that midfield, spraying passes before defenders have even begun to think, and Scotland — organised and honest as they are — simply have no answer for a forward line that attacks with this much imagination and hunger. Andy Robertson will chase shadows on the left flank, and when Brazil are this fluent in possession, two goals feels almost conservative.

Scotland's defensive block is impressively organized — Robertson and Hickey give them real structural discipline on the flanks — but Brazil's attacking pressure is simply relentless, and sixteen estimated attacks against zero tells you everything about where this match is being played. Vinícius Júnior operating in behind that Scottish defensive line is a nightmare scenario; their backline will be disciplined but chasing shadows all night. I did attempt Vancouver's beloved salmon cream cheese pastry before the match and, well, let's say I'll stick to my Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte — but Brazil's forwards, unlike my effort, will deliver something beautiful tonight.