World Cup LIVE: Scotland saved by VAR howler after horror start vs Brazil

Former referee Darren Cann felt Scotland were lucky that VAR intervened to disallow Vini Jr’s goal. Speaking to the BBC he said: “I think Scotland are a little fortunate to be honest.

“There is a little contact before the ball is played but I don’t really feel that it’s a foul by Vini Jr, he’s just holding his ground and the defender just kicks into him. I think it’s one Scotland will be decided with but they are a little fortunate to get the decision.”

However, former Scotland international James McFadden disagreed. He said: “He has [been fouled]. He has. Absolutely [a bullet dodged]. He just catches him on the right leg as he’s going to play the ball, gets his foot in front of where Jack Hendry’s playing it.”

Asked if he then agreed with Cann, McFadden said: “No I don’t, I think it’s a foul. Whether it’s a slight contact or not, it’s a foul. When you see it back, clearly he’s caught as he’s in the action of kicking the ball which is enough to stop him playing the ball. He’s impeded.

“It’s a let-off and just another warning to say, at times, Brazil look like they don’t want to go and press until they decide they do and they go and force them mistakes and capitalise.

“It’s a foul for me, he catches him and it’s the correct decision. It’s about time Scotland got a decision here.”