Ancelotti explains why Vini Jr took Brazil penalty ahead of Bruno Guimarães | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has set out why Vini Jr took Brazil’s second-half penalty in the 4-2 friendly win over Australia, despite Bruno Guimarães being on the pitch, a call that reopened debate after Brazil’s World Cup elimination against Norway.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the coach said Raphinha is first-choice from the spot, with Guimarães second, but he opted for Vini because Bruno had already scored and he felt the forward deserved a goal to boost confidence.

The incident came after the interval when Vini won the foul and assumed responsibility, placing his kick into the corner to seal the win. The first penalty of the match was taken by Brazil’s number 10, who was withdrawn at half-time.

Ancelotti underlined his faith in Vini, noting their years together at Real Madrid, and described him as fundamental for Brazil, for his own footballing story, and for the future.

He acknowledged the forward is not yet at his peak at the start of the season, but said Vini can still decide games, pointing to his part in the third goal, and added he will be patient.

Vini said afterwards he had expected Guimarães to take it, as he does when Raphinha is not on the pitch, but his team-mate knew he needed a lift after a short goal drought and encouraged him to step up.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”