After Vinicius Junior scored twice in Brazil’s impressive 3-0 victory over Scotland to secure first place in Group C at the World Cup, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti called the forward “one of the best players in the world.”
Brazil advanced to the round of 32 with an undefeated record thanks to two goals from the Real Madrid winger prior to halftime in Miami, including a rare headed goal. In three tournament games, the 25-year-old has now scored four goals.
Ancelotti remarked, “I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup.”
Playing for the national squad is an honor for him. He scored a header, which is really uncommon for him, and he is playing brilliantly.
“I was fully aware of Vini’s abilities. He is among the world’s top players.
Given that the two spent four seasons together at Real Madrid, Ancelotti’s compliments are very meaningful. Vinicius was the first Brazilian player to score in all three World Cup group stage games since Ronaldo and Rivaldo did so in 2002. He had already scored in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco and their 3-0 victory over Haiti.
Only Romario in 1994 and Jairzinho in 1970 have accomplished the same thing for Brazil at prior World Cups. Brazil went on to win the trophy each time.
In the fight for the Golden Boot, Vinicius is now tied with Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe; only Lionel Messi is ahead of the three.
“I constantly claim that numbers don’t really concern me. Vinicius told Brazilian broadcaster CazeTV, “I am not used to scoring so many goals, but the coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team.”
“Hopefully, I can continue on to the final. I am quite pleased with the team’s effort. The ball will reach offensive areas and we will have opportunities to score goals if everyone plays effectively.
Before making place for Neymar, who made his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023, Matheus Cunha scored the team’s third goal. Another excellent Brazilian performance was completed thanks to the Manchester United forward’s participation.
Neymar’s return to activity following a protracted period on the sidelines thrilled Ancelotti just as much.
He was worthy of coming on. He has put in a lot of effort and training to regain his fitness. Ancelotti remarked, “He has done it extremely professionally.
“He played well in the few minutes he was on, and he has the quality to help the team at this World Cup.”
None of the players require encouragement to play for Brazil, even him. Despite being 34 years old, he still enjoys playing football as much as he did as a child.
The Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden are still in the running, and Brazil will now go to Houston to play the runners-up from Group F in the round of 32.
