World Cup 2026: Has Vinicius Jr brilliance just papered over the Brazilian cracks?

Vinicius’ goal was the breathtakingly beautiful moment we expect from extraordinary talents.

Will he write his name in Brazilian folklore?

“Until now, the expectation for him was to be the leading figure in the Selecao,” said Brazilian football expert Marcus Alves.

“However, even though it has been four years since the penalty shoot-out against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, doubts remain around him.”

But there can be no doubting the quality of his aim here; Three of the 10 goals he scored for Brazil came from US soil.

“At this point Vinicius Jr is coming into his own,” former England goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC One.

“He was quiet during the match, of course, but you can’t criticize players like that on the big stage.

“He comes in and runs Bono over. What a great moment.”

Vinicius talked Friday about how this was “the most important time in my life and career.”

“I feel great freedom and sincere trust from Ancelotti. He is sure that I can do for the national team what I did for Real Madrid,” he added.

“I want to try to write the history of the country and the national team. We must do everything to win.”

Brazil lost against Morocco.

Failure in this tournament after a 24-year title drought will raise serious questions about how the most successful team in World Cup history will fare.