Vinicius Junior admits confidence dip after World Cup, Brazil penalty offers lift | OneFootball

Vinicius Junior has acknowledged a dip in confidence after a bruising World Cup summer, with a slow start at Real Madrid offset by a timely lift on Brazil duty. According to Goal.com, the forward said he is working through a difficult spell on both fronts.

He has only one goal for Real this season, but converted an 80th-minute penalty in a 4-2 friendly win over Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

With regular taker Raphinha off the pitch, Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was next in line, yet he passed the responsibility to Vinicius to aid his confidence.

Vinicius thanked team-mates for their support, explaining they understand he needs a boost and that losing a World Cup is painful, so the comeback is not straightforward.

Guimaraes said the gesture was about unity, noting there is no vanity in the national set-up. He added that Carlo Ancelotti instructed him to take one at the World Cup, while on this occasion the coach asked Vinicius, who needed a goal.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti offered strong backing, calling Vinicius fundamental for the Selecao. He accepted the winger is short of his best, but said he can still make the difference and that patience is warranted.

The strike offers a platform that could help reset his season. Vinicius will look to carry any momentum into the remainder of the international window.

Source: Goal.com

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