After Brazil’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Paraguay on Tuesday, Vinicius Jnr has issued an apology to the team’s supporters.
The defeat marks Brazil’s fourth loss in their last five World Cup qualifying matches in South America, leaving them in a troubling fifth place in their group.
This follows their quarter-final exit from the Copa America earlier this summer.
Despite a Strong Line-Up
The defeat is especially disheartening given the strength of Brazil’s lineup.
Real Madrid stars Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius led the attack, supported by top players like Alisson, Bruno Guimaraes, and Marquinhos.
Yet, a first-half goal from Diego Gomez was enough to secure the win for Paraguay.
Vinicius’ Plea for Support
Post-match, Vinicius appeared visibly upset and appealed to the fans for continued support.
Speaking to Brazilian TV channel Globo, he expressed his regret, acknowledging the team’s struggles and vowing to improve.
“I want to apologize to the fans,” he said.
“I know it’s a tough time, but we just want to get better.”
He also noted that adapting to different playing conditions is crucial, especially when comparing European and South American styles of play.
Struggles for the Forward
Vinicius has had a challenging time with the national team, scoring just five goals in 35 appearances despite his prolific form at Real Madrid, where he has netted over 20 goals in each of the past three seasons.
The 24-year-old is aware of his current form and remains optimistic about his ability to turn things around.
“I know my potential and what I can contribute,” he mentioned.
“It’s been tough without confidence, but I’m confident I can improve.”
Challenges for Coach Dorival Jnr
Dorival Jnr, who took over as Brazil’s manager in January, has had a mixed tenure so far.
Despite a notable win against England in March, he has secured only four victories out of ten matches.
The team’s current struggles are a reflection of ongoing adjustments under his leadership.
Marquinhos’ Take on the Situation
Veteran defender Marquinhos, with 91 caps to his name, shared his thoughts on the current state of the team.
He acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized the players’ determination to overcome them.
“The coach is still figuring out the best strategy for us, and that’s showing in our results,” Marquinhos told Globo.
“We’re in a transitional phase and lacking confidence, but we’re committed to working hard and showing improvement on the field.”
Looking Ahead
As Brazil navigates this challenging period, the focus will be on finding solutions and regaining confidence.
The team’s resilience and determination will be crucial as they aim to turn their fortunes around in upcoming matches.