Vini Jr silences Ancelotti, recalls Brazil boss: “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 note. This Wednesday (24), Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 and secured first place in Group C. The standout of the match, Vini Jr scored twice and was decisive in the win for the team led 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 feature often in the player’s skill set. 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 with 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, he said it was kind of impossible (laughs), he said he’d 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 GOAL?

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

Since then, the Brazilian has racked up dozens of matches and goals, but without repeating that type of finish. 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 came in the second half. Taking advantage of a precise cross from the right by Bruno Guimarães, Vini got between the Scottish defenders and powered a header into the back of the net, giving the opposing goalkeeper no chance.

WHAT ELSE DID VINI JR SAY, AFTER ALL?

Besides his happiness over the goals he scored, Vini Jr also highlighted the team’s collective progress throughout the first phase of the World Cup. For the forward, the match against Scotland was Brazil’s best performance in the competition so far.

— It was our most solid 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 have shown in their most recent matches. After an opening draw with Morocco that fell below expectations, the team showed greater attacking and defensive consistency in the following rounds against Haiti and Scotland, heading into the knockout stage with confidence high.

SO, WHAT ARE VINI’S WORLD CUP NUMBERS?

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

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

WHO WILL BRAZIL FACE NEXT, THEN?

Having qualified in first place in Group C, Brazil now awaits the knockout-stage bracket to be finalized. Their opponent will come from the competition’s scheduled pairings, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden emerging as the strongest possibilities to face the Brazilian side.

— We don’t have to choose 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 remain firmly on track in their pursuit of a 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.