Flamengo academy duo hit special milestone at the World Cup | OneFootball

Brazil face Scotland with Vini Jr. and Lucas Paquetá available

Flamengo’s DNA has been standing out in the Brazil national team during the World Cup. That is because academy graduates Vini Jr and Lucas Paquetá reached seven combined goal contributions between them during the match against Haiti. As a result, the duo return to the pitch this Wednesday (24).

There have been three goals by Paquetá from assists by Vinicius Júnior and four goals by the forward from passes by the midfielder. The pair reached that total in 82 matches played together over the course of their careers.

Since when have Paquetá and Vini played together?

The Ninho do Urubu academy graduates played their first match together in the senior squad in 2017 for Mengão. Then, the first time one set up a goal for the other came in the 21st round of that year’s Brasileirão.

On that occasion, the current Real Madrid (ESP) forward scored twice against Atlético-GO. One of those goals came from an assist by the current number 20 of Mengo. As a result, the match ended 2-0 for the Most Beloved.

Did they only play together at Flamengo?

The duo stayed together until mid-2018, when the forward reached the required age to play for the Spanish club. At the end of that same year, however, Milan (ITA) bought the midfielder, who then began a seven-season spell in Europe.

The transfers, however, did not mark the end of the partnership, as they would reunite in the Brazil national team starting in 2020. As such, the academy products are playing in their second World Cup together, having already been part of the national squad in Qatar in 2022.

Did Paquetá return to Flamengo and Vini didn’t?

After standing out at West Ham (ENG), the midfielder decided it was time to return to the club that developed him. So, Paquetá said that Vini supported and encouraged the move. “So, have you signed yet? How much is left? Just tell me and I’ll chip in,” the midfielder recalled, paraphrasing the forward.

Therefore, the current red-and-black number 20 assured that the time will come for the Real Madrid star to return to the Most Beloved. Vini has one more year left on his contract with the Spanish side, but the tendency is for the deal to be renewed.

When will Paquetá and Vini play again?

The academy graduates are available to Carlo Ancelotti to face Scotland from 7 p.m. Brasília time this Wednesday (24). It is very unlikely that the players will be rested, as Brazil want to finish top of Group C in the World Cup.

Thus, the match kicks off in Miami, United States, with coverage on Grupo Globo and SBT (free-to-air channels), SporTV (pay TV), NSports (streaming), and CazéTV (YouTube). Coluna do Fla will bring the result of the clash with an emphasis on the Flamengo players.

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