Breaking: Vinicius Jr scores Brazil's first goal at Copa America 2024 moments after Lucas Paqueta misses penalty vs Paraguay
Vinicius Jr. scored Brazil's first goal at Copa America 2024 in their group-stage clash against Paraguay, moments after Lucas Paqueta missed a penalty. The match is currently ongoing at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
With the score at 0-0, the Selecao Canarinho were awarded a penalty which the West Ham United midfielder failed to convert in the 31st minute. However, Vinicius scored a goal from Paqueta's assist just four minutes later.
This marked the Real Madrid star's first goal in Copa America while it was Paqueta's first-ever assist in the continental competition.
Brazil doubled their lead when 20-year-old Savio scored in the 43rd minute while Vinicius netted the team's third just moments before the end of the first half (45+5 minutes). The five-time world champions have had four shots on target in the first half against Paraguay.
Lucas Paqueta made his senior debut for Brazil in September 2018 by replacing Philippe Coutinho in the 71st minute during a friendly against the United States. He has netted 10 goals and provided five assists in 48 appearances for his nation.
Vinicius, who made his senior debut for the Selecao Canarinho in 2019, has scored five goals and provided five assists in 32 appearances for his nation.
Vinicius Jr on Brazillian fans after Selecao's Copa America 2024 opener
Brazil started their Copa America 2024 campaign with a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica on Monday, June 24. Following their opening match, Vinicius Jr spoke about his on-field experience and told reporters (via GOAL):
"Every time I enter the field for the national team, I have three or four players marking me."
Speaking about the current situation of head coach Dorival Júnior's squad in the ongoing Copa, the Real Madrid forward said:
"New coach, new players, everything takes time. Our fans want everything immediately done, but we're going little by little. In the next game, I'm sure we'll play much better because we now already understand what the competition will be like, what the pitch, and what the referees will be like. We know we can improve, we have to improve. I also know what I can improve, evolve and do for our team."
Following their match against Paraguay, Brazil will face Colombia in their last Copa America 2024 group-stage clash at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Tuesday, July 2.