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.
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.
GOAL rates Brazil's players from Corinthians Arena…
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Alisson Becker (7/10):
Had a couple of saves to make, claimed a couple of crosses well, and kept his clean sheet. A solid night's work.
Vanderson (6/10):
Hardly on the ball, but progressed it well when he had it.
Marquinhos (8/10):
A proper captain's performance at the back. Won all of his tackles, passed well, and wasn't afraid to have a go at his team-mates when sloppiness emerged.
Alexsandro Ribeiro (7/10):
Has earned the trust of Ancelotti fairly quickly. Moved the ball well and was up for the physical stuff.
Alex Sandro (6/10):
Played the covering role for Vinicius' goal well, and got forward at times. Always an experienced presence.
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Bruno Guimaraes (6/10):
Not exactly the model of discipline, but played the role of enforcer with glee, and kept the ball moving.
Casemiro (6/10):
Really strange to see him starting for Brazil in 2025. Doesn't have the legs anymore, but can still fly into a tackle – something he proved a few times.
Matheus Cunha (7/10):
Deployed in a roaming role just behind the central striker. Created problems and grabbed an assist.
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Raphinha (6/10):
Always active, but not necessarily clean. Had his chances to make things happen late on, but never came up with the necessary magic to extend the Selecao lead.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Struggled to find his feet in a fluid front three and never really had space to run into.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Missed a sitter, then followed it up with a really nice finish. Made a few defenders look silly. Showing something resembling form in a Brazil shirt.
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Lucas Beraldo (7/10):
A solid shift defensively
Richarlison (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Gerson (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Danilo (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):
A much better performance and result in his second game in charge. Helped, no doubt, by the fact that Paraguay offered more space than Ecuador, but his team simply dominated. World Cup, here they come.