Vinicius Secures Crucial Win for Brazil in Ancelotti’s Home Debut
In a thrilling match at Sao Paulo, Brazil secured a vital victory over Paraguay, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from Vinicius Jr. The win not only delights the home crowd but also seals Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. According to a report by Marca, Vinicius was instrumental in Brazil’s success, scoring the opening goal and driving his team forward with his tireless work rate and creativity.
As reported by Marca, the match marked a significant occasion for Carlo Ancelotti, who was making his debut as Brazil’s head coach at home. The Italian tactician had been under pressure to deliver a positive result, and his team responded in style. Ancelotti’s decision to field an attacking lineup, featuring the likes of Vinicius, Raphinha, and Cunha, paid off as Brazil dominated proceedings from the outset.
The game got off to a lively start, with Brazil enjoying the better of the early exchanges. Marca notes that Raphinha, Cunha, and Vinicius were all involved in the early action, with the trio combining to create several half-chances. The breakthrough eventually came in the 34th minute, when Cunha’s persistence on the left flank led to a cross being played into the box. Vinicius, who had been causing problems for the Paraguay defense all game, met the pass with a clinical finish, giving Brazil a 1-0 lead.
As Marca reports, the second half saw Brazil continue to press for more goals, with Cunha and Martinelli both coming close to adding to the score. Paraguay, however, refused to give up, and they had their moments of respite. A Sanabria shot, which flew harmlessly wide, was a rare moment of excitement for the visitors.
Vinicius, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, eventually departed the scene with an injury, but not before he had sealed the win for Brazil. Marca quotes sources close to the team, who suggest that the injury may not be serious, providing a boost to Real Madrid ahead of their upcoming commitments.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Ancelotti, who has now secured a crucial win in his first home match as Brazil coach. As Marca notes, the result also highlights the importance of Vinicius to the Brazil team. The 24-year-old’s influence on the game was undeniable, and his goal will be remembered as a crucial moment in the team’s qualification campaign.
Raphinha, who played a supporting role to Vinicius throughout the match, also earned praise for his intelligent play and tireless work rate. Marca suggests that the Barcelona winger is now a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or, such is his level of performance.
In the end, it was a convincing win for Brazil, who dominated the match from start to finish. As Marca reports, the victory marks a significant step forward for Ancelotti’s team, who will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. With Vinicius leading the charge, Brazil will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 World Cup.
