Copa America 2024: Vinicius Jr riles up Paraguay opponents in heated scuffle, scores moments later through defensive error in crazy end to first half
Vinicius Junior was back to his best in Brazil colors on Friday (June 29) night at Copa America and was a thorn in Paraguay's side during a frantic first half. The Real Madrid star bagged a brace, and his second came after a scuffle and defensive mix-up.
Both sets of players were involved in a tussle on the brink of halftime, with tempers boiling over at Allegiant Stadium Nevada. Vinicius was also involved, although Brazilian defender Wendell and Paraguayan defender Fabian Balbuena were the only players booked.
Paraguay showed a lapse in concentration when gifting Vinicius his second of the night in the 45+5th minute. Omar Alderete failed to clear his lines and passed straight into the Madrid forward's path, who simply tapped home Selecao's third goal.
Vinicius initially opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a stellar goal to silence his recent critics. Many had questioned him after his performance in a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica (June 25).
Savio bagged Selecao's second in the 43rd minute from close range after Rodrygo's effort was initially saved. Dorival Junior's men dominated during the first half, and their No. 7 was at the forefront.
"We know we can improve" - Vinicius urged Brazil fans to be patient with them at Copa America
Brazil are among the favorites to win Copa America but have struggled in recent months. They sit sixth in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying table, with two wins and three defeats in six games.
Selecao's lackluster showing against Costa Rica led to moans and groans. Many questioned whether Vinicius could spearhead his nation to a 10th Copa America in the United States.
The current favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or caught wind of the scrutiny. He defended himself by insisting he's constantly man-marked in Brazil colors (via Get Football News Spain):
"Every time I enter the field for the national team, I have three or four players marking me."
The pacey attacker then called for patience with Selecao amid a change in management and their team, which is somewhat transitioning:
"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."
Vinicius responded to his critics in the best way possible with a slick first-half showing against Paraguay. He's yet to win a major tournament with his national team and is looking to do so at Copa America this summer.