Vinicius Jr’s reaction to Brazil fans getting angry at Lucas Paqueta for taking penalty despite missing earlier goes viral, video surfaces online
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr's actions have gone viral after the winger appealed to the fans to support midfielder Lucas Paqueta as he stepped up to take a penalty. This came after the supporters expressed their frustration as the West Ham United man had previously missed from the spot in the same game.
In a video, the 23-year-old can be seen requesting the fans to back the player.
The Selecao received their first penalty of the game in the 28th minute when a Paraguay player was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. However, Paqueta sent his spot-kick wide as the score remained at 0-0.
He made amends seven minutes later, bagging an assist in a brilliant team move finished off by Vinicius to break the deadlock. Girona winger Savio doubled the side's advantage in the 43rd minute before Vinicius added another in stoppage time to make it 3-0.
After their opponents pulled one back through Omar Alderete in the 48th minute, Brazil received a golden opportunity to kill the game when they got their second spot-kick for another handball. This time, Paqeuta made no mistake, scoring to make it 4-1 (65').
The result leaves Dorival Junior's side in the driver's seat to secure qualification from Group D. Brazil will need a draw in their final group game against Colombia (July 2), who have already progressed to the knockout stages with two wins in two.
Vinicius Jr outlines primary objective for Brazil as they produce brilliant showing in 4-1 win over Paraguay
Brazil attacker Vinicius Jr has stated that the side are focused on their goal of winning Copa America. He insisted that the team would work hard to acheive their goals, saying (via Madrid Zone on X):
“I know that I can do better to help the national team, this team works hard every day to be able to put Brazil in the position it deserves. We will remain focused to reach this goal and the first step is to win the Copa America.”
After a poor start to their 2024 Copa America campaign where they played out a goalless draw against minnows Costa Rica, the Selecao bounced back in style with a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
The side have come under heavy criticism for their unconvincing performances under manager Dorival Junior who took charge in January. Notably, Brazil icon Ronaldinho hit out at the team, claiming that this was one of the worst squads put out by the South American giants.