Vini Jr proves Ancelotti wrong, recalls Brazil jibe: “Said impossible” | OneFootball

Vini Jr scored twice in the 3-0 win over Scotland and joked about a challenge set by the Brazil national team coach

The Brazil national team wrapped up the World Cup group stage on a high. This Wednesday (24), Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 and secured first place in Group C. The standout player of the match, Vini Jr scored two goals and was decisive in the victory for the team coached by Carlo Ancelotti. After the match, the forward revealed a curious promise made by the Italian coach involving the second goal of the night.

The No. 7 found the net twice, one of them with a header, something that does not usually appear often in the player's repertoire. That is why the celebration had a special flavor. In an interview after the match, Vini said he had promised the coach he would score a header and got a skeptical response from Ancelotti.

— I’m happy to help with goals. Today I even scored a header. I promised the Mister I would do it, and he said it was kind of impossible (laughs), he said he would buy me a gift. I have to be happy, but always keep my feet on the ground — he said.

WHEN WAS VINI JR’S LAST HEADER?

The goal against Scotland ended a long spell without Vini Jr scoring with his head. The last time had been back in March 2024, when the forward scored in the 2-2 draw between Real Madrid and Valencia in the Spanish league.

Since then, the Brazilian has racked up dozens of matches and goals, but without repeating that feat. That is why the play caught the attention not only of the fans, but also of his national team teammates and the coaching staff. The move happened in the second half. Taking advantage of a precise cross from the right by Bruno Guimarães, Vini appeared between the Scottish defenders and powered a header into the back of the net, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.

SO WHAT ELSE DID VINI JR SAY?

Besides his happiness with the goals he scored, Vini Jr also highlighted the team’s collective improvement throughout the World Cup group stage. For the forward, the match against Scotland was Brazil’s best performance in the tournament so far.

— It was our most complete game in the tournament. The group-stage matches help you understand how the competition works and fix what didn’t go right. We played two very good matches after the opener, and that boosts our confidence — he said.

The forward’s assessment reinforces the sense of growth Brazil has shown in its most recent matches. After an opening draw against Morocco with a performance below expectations, the team showed more attacking and defensive consistency in the following rounds against Haiti and Scotland, reaching the knockout stage with high morale.

SO, WHAT ARE VINI’S WORLD CUP NUMBERS?

With the two goals scored against Scotland, Vini Jr reached four goals in the current World Cup. The forward is among the tournament’s top scorers and has established himself as one of the main attacking references for the Brazil national team.

The numbers are also impressive when it comes to World Cup performances. In just seven World Cup matches, Vini has eight direct goal contributions, with five goals and three assists.

WHO WILL BRAZIL’S NEXT OPPONENT BE, THEN?

Having qualified in first place in Group C, Brazil now awaits the knockout stage matchups to be decided. The opponent will come from the competition’s scheduled pairings, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden appearing as the strongest possibilities to face the Brazilian team.

— We don’t have to pick an opponent. Whoever comes, we have to be ready — the forward concluded. With Vini Jr in great form and the team showing improvement in the World Cup, Brazil remains firm in its pursuit of the long-awaited sixth title. The next match takes place on Monday (29), at 2 p.m. (Brasília time).

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