Vinicius Stars As Brazil Run Riot For First Copa America Win
29 June, 2024
Vinicius Junior played a starring role as Brazil got their Copa America campaign back on track by thrashing Paraguay 4-1.
Brazil bounced back in style at the Copa America, thrashing Paraguay 4-1. Vinicius Junior starred with two goals, including a fine opener, while Savinho and Lucas Paqueta also scored. Paraguay's hopes were dashed further by a red card as Brazil secured a convincing win.
The five-time world champions were eager to bounce back after a disappointing goalless draw against Costa Rica. Selecao missed a big chance to take the lead after being awarded a penalty on 30 minutes for a handball on Andrés Cubas, but Lucas Paqueta failed to profit after firing wide from 12-yards.
However, Brazil got the breakthrough a minute later when Vinicius opened the scoring after finishing off a superb passing move which he started for his first Copa America goal. The lead was doubled in the 43rd minute through Savinho, who was on hand to slot into an empty net after Vinicius' initial effort was saved. There was enough time for Brazil to add a third goal on the stroke of halftime as Vinicius completed his brace with an instinctive finish after pouncing on a mix- up in the box.
Paraguay gave themselves some hope three minutes after the interval, with Omar Alderete finding the bottom corner with a lovely finish from distance.
However, Brazil restored their three-goal advantage in the 65th minute after being awarded another penalty but Paqueta stepped up despite the boos from the fans again and duly dispatched the spot-kick.
The game did end on a sour note for Paraguay, who were reduced to ten men in the final ten minutes when Andrés Cubas was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Douglas Luiz.
Source: www.snl24.com
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