Brazil’s Vinicius Jr shone brightly with two goals in a 4-1 triumph over Paraguay during a Group D match at the Copa America on Friday in Nevada. This performance was a stark improvement from his lackluster showing in Brazil’s initial 0-0 draw against Costa Rica. With this victory, Brazil climbs to second place in Group D with four points, just behind Colombia, who have secured their quarter-final spot with six points from two games. Costa Rica sits third with one point, while Paraguay has been eliminated after two losses, marking only their second group-stage exit since 2001.
This match also marked Brazil’s first win in six competitive games and the first under new manager Dorival Jr, who took charge in January. The game kicked off with Vinicius Jr showcasing his speed and skill on the left wing, a significant contrast to his previous subdued performance. Paraguay nearly took an early lead in the 15th minute when Damian Bobadilla’s deflected shot forced a critical save from Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil had an opportunity to score first with a penalty for handball in the 28th minute, but Lucas Paqueta missed the target. He quickly made amends by setting up Vinicius for the opening goal seven minutes later with an accurate first-time pass after a well-coordinated team move. Girona winger Savio doubled Brazil’s advantage by pouncing on a rebound inside the box, and Vinicius added his second goal right before halftime by redirecting Omar Alderete’s clearance into the net.
Paraguay managed to pull one back through Alderete’s stunning long-range strike after halftime, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Mathias Villasanti handled the ball inside the box in the 68th minute. This time Paqueta successfully converted from the spot to seal Brazil’s commanding win
