Ancelotti explains why Vini Jr took penalty over Bruno Guimarães | OneFootball

Vini Jr.’s penalty reignited controversy over Brazil’s World Cup elimination

Vini Jr. scored one of the goals in the Brazil National Team’s 4-2 win over Australia in a friendly this Tuesday (29). The penalty kick reignited a debate about the Flamengo academy product, now at Real Madrid (ESP).

After all, why didn’t the forward take the decisive penalty in Brazil’s World Cup elimination against Norway? Asked about the difference between the two moments, Carlo Ancelotti explained the choice.

WHY DID ANCELOTTI CHOOSE VINI JR TO TAKE THE PENALTY?

The decision drew attention because Bruno Guimarães, who was also on the field, was the team’s second penalty taker in Raphinha’s absence. The No. 10, who had scored the first penalty of the match, was substituted at halftime.

According to the coach, Bruno having already scored against the Australians, along with the need to give Vini Jr. confidence, played a role. “(Vini took it) because Bruno had already scored a goal. Raphinha was the first (taker), Bruno was the second. So, I think Vini deserved to score a goal,” Ancelotti said.

HOW DID THE PENALTY GO?

The moment came in the second half, when the forward won the penalty and took responsibility for the kick. Vini then calmly slotted it into the corner to make it 4-2 for Brazil.

WHAT ELSE DID ANCELOTTI SAY ABOUT VINI JR?

Besides justifying the choice, the coach highlighted the confidence he still has in the forward. It is worth remembering that the two worked together for years at Real Madrid.

— I don’t know what to say about Vini. I know him very well. He is a fundamental player for the National Team, for Brazil. He was a fundamental player in my football history. He will be a fundamental player for the future — Ancelotti said.

Despite the praise, the coach acknowledged that Vinicius Júnior is still searching for his best form at the start of the season. However, Ancelotti stressed the forward’s ability to decide matches even when he is not at his best.

— He is not at his best right now, but it is the start of the season. Even when he is not at his best level, Vini can always make the difference, like he did today on the third goal. With him, I will be very patient, because he deserves that patience —, he added.

WHAT DID VINI JR SAY ABOUT THE PENALTY?

Even before the coach’s explanation, Vini Jr. had already spoken about the moment as he left the pitch. The forward even revealed that he expected Bruno Guimarães to take it.

— Bruno is the one who takes penalties for us when Rapha is not on the field. I thought he wanted to take it, but he knows I need a little confidence right now. There had been a few games where I hadn’t scored. It’s important to score again —, Vini Jr. explained.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.