Unshackled Vinicius boosts nervy Brazil to much-needed Copa America win

LAS VEGAS – Vinicius Jr, given the freedom to express himself, unleashed his inner beast in pure Brazilian football mayhem to guide the five-time world champions to their first 2024 Copa America win against Paraguay on June 28.

The 23-year-old winger scored twice and delivered a much-needed statement performance that Brazilian fans have long been waiting for in their 4-1 victory, with Savio and Lucas Paqueta also on the score sheet.

The Real Madrid forward may be one of the best players in the world, but until now that fiery spark has not been seen in his national team performances.

“Today I played a game that is compatible to the level of the player I am,” Vinicius said after the match in Las Vegas.

“But I always say that I never play for myself, I play for the team, for Brazil, for my country. I always try to do the best things, but it’s not always possible.

“Today I played a great match, I know I can improve a lot and I will do to help Brazil.

“We want to put Brazil in the place we deserve. We want to win the Copa America.”

Colombia, who have qualified for the quarter-finals, top Group D with six points after beating Costa Rica 3-0, with Brazil in second on four points. The Costa Ricans are third with one point and Paraguay have zero points after two defeats.

Brazil next face Colombia on July 2, when a draw would be enough to make the last eight.

Even in the Brazilians’ opener – a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica – Vinicius ended up being substituted halfway through the second half after not managing a single scoring attempt.

After that, coach Dorival Jr changed tack and that decision paid off in a major way.

Instead of being deployed as more of an orthodox winger wide on the left against Costa Rica, he gave Vinicius the freedom to roam across the front line – like he usually does for Real – against Paraguay.

The Selecao were initially struggling against another defensive opponent and almost lost their composure when Paqueta badly missed a first-half penalty.

But instead, they were rescued by Vinicius, who took charge and was all over the field in his revised role, striking twice and creating another chance that allowed Savio to score, helping Brazil to a comfortable 3-0 half-time lead.

In that half, he showed with his pace and trickery why he is a contender to win the Ballon d’Or after guiding Spanish giants Real to a La Liga-Champions League double.

Although Omar Alderete pulled one back for Paraguay shortly after the break, Paqueta took penalty responsibility again in the 65th minute and this time he made no mistake to seal victory.

Paraguay finished the match with 10 men after midfielder Andres Cubas was sent off in the 81st minute.

“Today he played a very important role,” Dorival said of Vinicius.

“He played an almost perfect match, he created very good situations and opportunities. He was dynamic, very effective and straightforward and direct.

“He played well with other players and teamed up nicely, he has great capacity.” REUTERS