Group C took another significant step toward its conclusion on Friday, with Morocco and Brazil both recording important victories. Morocco edged Scotland 1-0 in Boston before Brazil later cruised past Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia, leaving both winners on the brink of qualification for the knockout rounds.

Early Strike Gives Morocco Three Points

Morocco needed just two minutes to find the breakthrough against Scotland.

A perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Diaz released Ismael Saibari, who produced a superb finish to beat the goalkeeper and score what became the fastest goal of the tournament so far. It was also enough to decide the match.

The 2022 World Cup semifinalists controlled much of the contest after taking the lead and looked more likely to add another goal than concede an equalizer. Neil El Aynaoui and Bilal El Khannouss both came close, while Saibari struck the crossbar shortly after halftime.

Scotland struggled to create clear opportunities for most of the evening. Steve Clarke's side finally showed urgency in the closing stages, with Scott McTominay appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty before firing into the side netting moments later.

Despite the late pressure, Morocco held firm to secure a second consecutive clean sheet and move within touching distance of the knockout phase.

Brazil Too Strong for Haiti

Later in the day, Brazil produced one of their most convincing displays of the tournament, defeating Haiti 3-0.

The five-time world champions had already threatened before the opening goal, with Raphinha seeing an effort ruled out for offside. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 23rd minute when Matheus Cunha reacted quickest to convert a rebound after Vinicius Junior's shot had been saved.

Cunha doubled Brazil's advantage just over ten minutes later, finishing off a rapid attacking move with a powerful strike. Before Haiti could regroup, Brazil struck again. Lucas Paqueta delivered a precise pass to Vinicius Junior, who calmly finished to make it 3-0 before halftime.

The only negative for Carlo Ancelotti's team was an injury to Raphinha, who was forced off before the break and will now undergo further assessment.

Comfortable Second Half for the Selecao

With the result effectively secured, Brazil managed the second half without taking unnecessary risks. Haiti searched for a historic goal but found Alisson in excellent form, particularly when the Brazilian goalkeeper produced a strong save from a dangerous corner-kick situation.

Endrick thought he had added a fourth goal late in the game, but the effort was disallowed for offside. The scoreline ultimately remained unchanged as Brazil secured another three points.

Group C Standings

After two rounds of matches, Brazil sit at the top of Group C thanks to a superior goal difference over Morocco. Both nations are now in a strong position to reach the knockout stage ahead of the final group fixtures.

Brazil will face Scotland in their last group match, while Morocco take on Haiti with qualification firmly within reach.