From Brazil high to Vasco scrutiny: PH battles slump in crucial World Cup audition | OneFootball

After a career high with Brazil, PH's form for Vasco has dipped at a critical moment for his World Cup bid.

According to Globo.com, on Thursday at Vila Belmiro he endured another rough night, rated worst by fans on ge, and his misjudged header set up Neymar for Santos's second, the winner.

The slide dates back to late last year, soon after he debuted for Brazil and scored on his first start. He struggled in both Copa do Brasil semi-finals against Fluminense, scoring an own goal in the second leg, then underperformed again in the finals against Corinthians.

The start of 2026 brought more difficulties. He was among the poorest against Maricá and Flamengo, then foot pain sidelined him for the first two Brasileirão rounds and several Carioca games. He returned two weeks later against Botafogo in the state competition.

On his return he began on the bench against Botafogo, Bahia and Volta Redonda, coming on after half-time. Puma Rodríguez intensified competition on the right and also covered at left-back for Piton, whose form dipped. As a result, Paulo Henrique stayed on the right while Puma switched flanks.

In Fernando Diniz's final match in charge, against Fluminense, Paulo Henrique started again but was among Vasco's weakest performers. The Santos display extended that downward trend.

From 2023 to 2025 he had been considered among the country's best in his position. He made Carlo Ancelotti's last two Brazil squads and was named the 2025 Brasileiro's best right-back, attracting interest from major European clubs, though Vasco did not open talks.

Source: Globo.com