Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr celebrates goal against Paraguay, at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.
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Copa America: Vinicius Jr’s Double Helps Brazil Beat Paraguay

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Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr scored twice to help his side to a 4-1 Copa America victory against Paraguay in their Group D clash, securing his nation’s first three (3) of the tournament at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

In the starting line up for Brazil, Rodrygo featured in attack with Vinicius Jr and Savio supporting on the flanks. For Paraguay, Alex Arce led the line while Damian Bobadilla and Miguel Almiron were on the wings.

From the whistle, Vinicius’ pace and trickery posed a constant threat to Paraguay down the left flank. Brazil earned a 28th-minute penalty for a handball, which was fired wide by Lucas Paqueta, but the midfielder made up for his miss seven minutes later as he set up Vinicius with a first-time pass to cap off a flowing team move.

Girona winger Savio doubled Brazil’s advantage after pouncing on a rebound inside the box, before Vinicius stuck out a boot to divert a clearance from Omar Alderete into the net for his second goal of the night in first half stoppage time.

Paraguay got a goal back after the break as Alderete netted a superb long-range, but any hopes of a comeback were swiftly dashed when Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute after a handball by Mathias Villasanti.

Despite his earlier miss, Paqueta stepped up and made no mistake at the second time of asking to send Brazil’s fans at the Allegiant Stadium into delirium.

Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta celebrates goal with teammates.

Towards the end of the match, tempers flared and Andres Cubas was shown a red card after kicking out at Douglas Luiz, with Brazil using their advantage to comfortably see out the game and clinch the three points.

The victory marked Brazil’s first win in six competitive matches and its maiden competitive win under the management of Dorival Jr, who took charge of the team in January.

Colombia, who have qualified for the quarter-finals, top Group D with six points after two matches, with Brazil in second on four points.

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.

Brazil next face group leaders Colombia in California on Tuesday, where a draw would be enough to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. Paraguay faces Costa Rica, who retain a slim chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, in Texas.

Source Reuters Copa America
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