Lucas Paquetá goes off injured in Brazil v Japan World Cup clash | OneFootball

What happened to Lucas Paquetá in the Brazil vs Japan match?

Brazil’s national team suffered a blow for the second half of Monday’s (29) match against Japan. That’s because Lucas Paquetá felt pain in his thigh and had to be substituted at halftime.

Lucas Paquetá even put his hand on the back of his left thigh in the very first play of the match, when he was fouled. Even so, the midfielder stayed on the field. Then, in first-half stoppage time, the player raised his hand asking to leave the pitch. In the end, Endrick took the spot of the Brazil No. 20.

Does Paquetá’s situation worry Flamengo?

Brazil’s national team will still assess the Flamengo player’s condition, with more than half of the 2026 season still ahead of him. At the club, the attacking midfielder is competing for a place in midfield with Arrascaeta, who has a muscle injury in his right calf.

Flamengo’s playmaking role also has Jorge Carrascal in the battle for the position. However, the Colombian had been going through a poor spell with the Sacred Mantle before the World Cup. So Paquetá’s possible absence weighs heavily for Mengo.

But was Paquetá playing well in the match?

Despite the injury, the Ninho do Urubu academy product made a pass that could have become an assist, but Bruno Guimarães shot straight at the Japanese goalkeeper. Flamengo’s No. 20 also had an attempt saved by Suzuki.

Did Endrick coming on for Paquetá make an impact?

Despite adding a No. 9, Brazil equalized through a goal by Casemiro. Center back Gabriel Magalhães delivered a pinpoint cross onto the head of the No. 5, who rippled the side netting. It was the 10th time the midfielder had scored for Brazil.

The comeback, however, had Endrick’s indirect involvement. The youngster passed to Bruno Guimarães, who found Martinelli among the Japanese defenders. As a result, the substitute scored his first World Cup goal.

When will Brazil play again in the World Cup?

The result sends Brazil through to play in the round of 16 on Sunday (05). Their opponent will be the winner of Ivory Coast vs Norway, who face each other this Tuesday (30).

Are there more Flamengo players in the World Cup?

Besides Paquetá, Ancelotti called up Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Léo Pereira for the World Cup. Carrascal represents Colombia, while Gonzalo Plata plays for Ecuador. However, Arrascaeta, De La Cruz, and Varela are out after Uruguay’s elimination in the group stage.

How is Flamengo doing during the World Cup?

While the 2026 World Cup is taking place, the Most Beloved is training to resume the season where it left off. So the red-and-black squad members not involved in the tournament will play midseason friendlies in Portugal.

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