Brazil’s forward Vinicius Jr. was confident that his national team form would improve when the time was right. The striker scored a brace in the team’s comprehensive 3-0 win against Scotland at Miami on Wednesday. With this win, Brazil was able to secure its top position in Group C.
The Real Madrid star scored in the seventh minute for his team after a defensive error from Scotland. The striker once again scored at the stroke of half-time, whereas Matheus Cunha added their third in the 60th minute.
Vinícius, 25, becomes the fifth Brazilian player to score in each of the three group stage games in the World Cup, joining legends Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), Ronaldo, and Rivaldo (both in 2002).
After adding a brace in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday, he said: “I think it’s the result of hard work, dedication and confidence that I would improve. Because of my talent, because of how hard I work and because of everything I’ve done at Real Madrid up to now, I was sure that, when the time was right, I would perform better again with the Brazilian national team.”
Vini Jr. has shone bright under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, scoring seven times in 13 matches, whereas he could only net six goals in 39 games under previous coaches.
Vini Jr. hailed the contribution of Carlo Ancelotti in his development. The 25-year-old also played under the Italian manager for four years at Real Madrid.
“He is one of the best coaches in the world,” Vinícius said. “He understands his players very well and adapts very well to them. He came here and understood how we should play. I think it’s paid off. We’re going to improve a lot during the competition. I think he’s going to help the team grow throughout the tournament.”
The Brazilian scored 22 goals and 14 assists for Madrid in the previous season. The striker said there is no better feeling than to be performing well for the national team at the top stage.
“There’s nothing better than returning to the place where I’ve always wanted to be, representing my family and representing a country as important as Brazil,” Vinícius said. “We’re chasing that title, and I think there’s nothing better than that. I believe we’ll continue to improve. I, too, will continue to grow and improve throughout the tournament.”
Brazil will face the runners-up of Group F, which could be either Japan or the Netherlands, in the round of 32 in Houston on Monday.
