Brazil’s Vinicius Jr scored twice in his side’s 4-1 Copa America victory over Paraguay in a Group D clash in Nevada on Friday, bouncing back from a lacklustre display in his first game of the tournament.
Colombia, who have qualified for the quarter finals, top Group D with six points after two matches, with Brazil in second on four points. They beat Costa Rica 3-0.
Costa Rica are third with one point and Paraguay, who are bottom with zero after two defeats, have been eliminated from the competition in the group stage for only the second time since 2001.
This victory marked Brazil’s first win in six competitive matches and their maiden competitive win under the management of Dorival Jr, who took charge of the team in January.
From the whistle, Vinicius’ pace and trickery posed a constant threat to Paraguay down the left flank, a far cry from his performance in Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their opening group stage match, in which he was largely ineffectual.
After the match, Vinicius criticised the pitches, referees and organisers Conmebol.
“The Copa America is always difficult because of the pitches, because of the referees — who always go against us — and because of the way Conmebol treats people,” Vinicius said post-match.
“It’s always difficult, but we have to stay strong. We can only talk by winning.
“When we talk, Conmebol says we talk too much.”