Brazil escape to victory

Leighton was able to block the shot with his face, but the rebound caromed off the chest of a backtracking Boyd and dropped into the net.The goal deflated the Scots hopes of a surprising draw, but Brazil was clearly the dominant team throughout the game, creating repeated chances while Scotland was forced to defend.

Cesar Sampaio deflected a corner kick from Bebeto, beating not only Leighton, but Craig Burley and Collins, who were marking the Japanese-based midfielder.

The Scots chased from the opening minutes, taking nearly half a minute to get the opening kick-off beyond the midfield stripe and rarely looking threatening. It gained more ofthe possession as the game wore on, but failed to maintain it for any extended period.

Twice the 39-year-old leighton, the oldest player in the tournament, was forced into dramatic saves in the first half. In the 16th minute he had to parry a blast from Roberto Carlos on the left side of the penalty area, and again in the 20th he knocked away a close-range shot from Ronaldo, who twisted three defenders around before getting off his attempt from near the goal box.

Brown bemoans “shocking” errors: Brazilian coach Mario Zagallo appeared content with his side’s 2-1 win, but Scotland manager Craig Brown said his side had given away two “shocking” goals. “First games are always difficult but we can only get better from now on,” Zagallo said.

Brazil’s second strike, an own goal by Scottish defender Tommy Boyd, came midway through the second half after Leonardo had replaced Giovanni at half-time.

Lineups

Brazil: Taffarel, Cafu, Aldair, Junior Baiano, Cesar Sampaio, Giovanni (Leonardo, 46thminute), Dunga, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos Ronaldo, Bebeto (Denilson, 70th).

Scotland: Jim Leighton, Colin Calderwood, Colin Hendry, Tommy Boyd, Craig Burley, Christian Dailly (Tosh McKinlay, 84th), Paul Lambert, John Collins Kevin Gallacher, Gordon Durie, Darren Jackson (Billy McKinlay, 78th).

Referee: Jose Garcia Aranda (Spain)