The Real Madrid winger scored the only goal of the game on Tuesday to ensure the five-time champions will be in North America next summer
Vinicius Jr discovered some attacking swagger in a Brazil shirt, as the South American giants cruised to a 1-0 win over a toothless Paraguay on Tuesday. The Selecao should have won by more, but Vinicius' first-half goal, combined with Uruguay's win over Venezuela, was enough to confirm Carlo Ancelotti's side their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil had the majority of the ball in the first half, and spent most of it missing good chances and failing to execute in the final third. Vinicius was the chief culprit of their wayward play, missing an open goal after a clever piece of work from Matheus Cunha on the wing. Cunha then skewed a good chance of his own soon after, as he directed a header away from the net with the goal gaping.
But Vinicius was on target at the second time of asking as Cunha played provider with a quick dart and close, before the Real Madrid star applied the finish on the stroke of half-time.
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The Selecao asserted their dominance after the break, and Vinicius was at the centre of it all once again, darting up and down the wing and creating chances in spades. Raphinha had the best chance of the second half as his driven strike stung the palms of the Paraguay goalkeeper.
This was a comfortable win and, despite a tough qualifying campaign, Ancelotti's team now have 12 months to plan for the World Cup. For now, that's all that matters.
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