Wearing the canary and blue of the Brazilian kit, Vinicius Junior proved once again why he’s one of the best players in the world, dragging the Selecao to a 2-1 victory over Colombia in a thrilling World Cup qualifier.
Early on, the 24-year-old burst into the box, drawing a foul from Daniel Munoz just six minutes in. It was a sign of the performance to come from Vini. Raphinha coolly slotted the penalty to give Brazil the lead. Colombia clawed back before halftime, though, with Luis Diaz pouncing on a Joelinton slip to level it at 1-1.
The second half was a slog—until stoppage time. Step up, Vinicius. In the 99th minute, he unleashed a jaw-dropping 30-yard rocket that deflected past Camilo Vargas, sending the Estadio Mane Garrincha into pandemonium.
Rodrygo, the other Real Madrid star in yellow, was quieter but steady, linking play as Brazil surged to second in the CONMEBOL standings.
Vini’s clutch heroics will serve his confidence well as critics often point to his lack of big moments with Brazil.