World Cup Roundup: Neymar, Ochoa Make Triumphant Returns; South Africa Shocks Group A

Brazil stole the show on Wednesday with a convincing win over Scotland, while two veteran stars made triumphant returns. Early in the day, Switzerland won Group A, while Bosnia and Herzegovina took a big step toward the knockout stage with a win over Qatar. On Wednesday night, South Africa pulled off a huge upset of South Korea to advance. Here’s the best of Match Day 14 at the FIFA World Cup. BEST OF THE DAY Moments Of The Day: Legends Make Memorable Cameos For the first time since October 2023, Neymar took the field for the Brazilian national team. It was an amazing moment in Miami when Brazil’s No. 10 came on against Scotland. The crowd went wild, and Neymar did his best to make an impact. Brazil did not score after the superstar came on the field, but he brought an aura to the game that those in attendance will never forget. Then, in Mexico City, Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa received an incredible ovation in the 78th minute, when he came into Mexico’s win over Czechia. It was Ochoa’s 153rd, and likely last, appearance for El Tri, and it was one to remember. Goal Of The Day Bosnia and Herzegovina needed a win on Wednesday to put itself in a good position to advance to the round of 32. Four points look like a key number for third-place teams to advance in the new World Cup format. Alajbegović picked up the ball and weaved past one defender before unleashing a fantastic strike past Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada. The goal ranked No. 5 on our list of the tournament’s best goals and was a huge moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina when it needed someone to step up. Assist Of The Day Canada was down 2-0 after Switzerland scored a couple of early second-half goals, but it always looked like a threat to get back in the game. It took a moment of brilliance from Saliba to create the chance that made it 2-1. Saliba received a lofted pass near the corner of the 18-yard box and used his first touch to set up his second perfectly. That one went straight to Promise David, who stretched to direct the ball into the Swiss goal. Canada couldn’t complete the comeback, but it still finished second in Group B and will be encouraged by the performance entering the round of 32 against South Africa. Save Of The Day Goalkeepers for the underdog countries have been a huge story at this tournament. Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Curaçao’s Eloy Room have been fantastic. Haiti’s Johny Placide got in on the act on Wednesday. Haiti took a shocking early lead thanks to what was credited as an own goal by Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou. Morocco then stepped up the pressure. In the 31st minute, Placide pulled off a fantastic double save, first on a shot from Achraf Hakimi, who eventually scored in the 39th minute, and then from striker Ayoub El Kaabi. It was an impressive – and necessary – moment as Haiti clung to its lead. Switzerland vs. Canada Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar Scotland vs. Brazil Morocco vs. Haiti Czechia vs. Mexico South Africa vs. South Korea