Spinelli’s display splits Vasco fans in Argentina

In partnership with

Papo na Colina

·8 April 2026

Spinelli’s display splits Vasco fans in Argentina

Vasco opened with a 0-0 draw against Barracas Central of Argentina in the opening round of the Copa Sudamericana group stage. The match, played at Estadio Florencio Sola, sparked plenty of debate on social media, with special focus on the performance of forward Cláudio Spinelli, who divided the opinion of fans and specialized critics.

+ Youth on the rise: Vasco youngsters make the most of Sul-Americana testing ground

Video OneFootball

The criticism and the comparison with Pablo Vegetti

The coaching staff, represented by assistant Marcelo Salles, fielded an alternative lineup in a 3-6-1 formation, with Daniel Fuzato; Carlos Cuesta, Lucas Freitas and Walace Falcão; Puma Rodríguez, Avellar, Hugo Moura, JP, Matheus França and Nuno Moreira. Isolated up front, Spinelli became the main target of criticism from part of the Vasco fanbase.

On social media, many Vasco supporters complained about the Argentine’s lack of comfort on the ball. Some even compared him negatively to Pablo Vegetti, the former Vasco center-forward who currently plays for Cerro Porteño of Paraguay.

“Our dear Spinelli is worse on the ball than Pablo Vegetti (currently at Cerro Porteño of Paraguay). I know that’s a strong statement, but it’s the truth. Vasco need to survey the striker market for players nearing the end of their contracts and bring in a No. 9 in the next window.”

The harshest criticism called on the board to scout the market for a new No. 9 in the next transfer window, extending the dissatisfaction to other foreign players in the squad, such as winger Marino Hinestroza.

“Unfortunately, our Spinelli is a total flop. It’s urgent to sign a No. 9 who knows at least the basics of how to play football.”

“Spinelli and Hinestroza are among the worst players I’ve ever seen at Vasco,”

The backing from experts and Vasco’s next match

Despite the heavy criticism, Spinelli also found defenders. Part of the fanbase justified his quiet display by pointing to the midfield’s lack of creativity, arguing that he received little service and that the team relied too heavily on crosses.

“Vasco only sends crosses into the box, with no ability at all to build through the middle. Poor Spinelli is going to have to work really hard before he gets a decent ball.”

“Spinelli is light-years better than any striker we have.”

This more lenient view was echoed by sports analysts, who considered the center-forward’s performance productive within the context of his physical style of play. According to the pundits, the player held the ball up well, posed a threat with a header, and also delivered a fine pass to Adson, who wasted the chance late in the game.

The schedule leaves little time for debate. The Giant of the Hill now turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship and returns to the pitch this Saturday (11) at 4:30 p.m. to face Remo at the Mangueirão in Belém. In the international competition, the team’s debut at São Januário will take place next Tuesday (14) against Chile’s Audax Italiano.

+ Follow Papo na Colina on social media: Threads, Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Google News.

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