Published on 6/18/2026
The Brazilian national team faces serious doubts about its ability to win the sixth star in the current edition of the World Cup, but its Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti can rely on Vinicius Junior, who saved the “Seleção” by scoring the equalizer against Morocco in the opening match.
Facing Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday, the Spanish Real Madrid striker must perform exemplary against the team that is supposed to be the weakest in Group C, to silence criticism directed at the “samba dancers” and maintain hope of finishing the group competitions in the lead.
Read also
list of 2 itemsend of list
Against the Atlas Lions, Fini brought his team back into the match atmosphere by scoring the equalizer after half an hour, raising his tally to 10 goals in 50 international matches.
He started from the left side, then cut inside and fired a powerful shot with his right foot, which is his trademark at Real Madrid.
“We must suffer”
After he won the “Player of the Match” award for leading the Seleção’s attack alone against the Moroccans’ impressive performance, he confirmed after the match that “I can still improve a lot.”
The 25-year-old striker, who does not hesitate to carry out his defensive duties, explained, “I was not at my best technically. I think I can improve that and help more in the offensive sector.”
He believed, “To win the World Cup, you have to suffer, you have to concede goals, and you have to turn the results of the matches around. And we have to be prepared for that.”
The Brazilian striker arrives at the World Cup after a difficult season with Real Madrid, where he did not win any title in Spain, and was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, although he regained his role as a key player in the ranks of the royal team since the arrival of coach Alvaro Arbeloa in January to replace Xabi Alonso.
He scored most of his 22 goals in the second half of the season.
He can also rely on the confidence of Ancelotti, who supervised him at Real Madrid and won two Champions League titles with him in 2022 and 2024.
Vinicius commented on the relationship between him and Ancelotti, saying, “He is a person who knows me better than anyone else. He always makes sure that I get along with my team as quickly as possible, and gives me the importance that I need and deserve. And, God willing, I can offer him a lot.”
Ancelotti’s confidence
“Ancelotti instilled confidence in the players, made everyone feel comfortable so that each player could exploit his strengths to the fullest in his optimal position,” Vinicius said in late 2025 of the Italian coach who became a legend after winning a title in each of Europe’s top five leagues.
While the 67-year-old coach tried many options, such as including full-backs Roger Ibanez and Douglas Santos as starters against Morocco, he considers the native of the city of Sao Gonzalo, near Rio, an indispensable player due to his high scoring ability.
Ancelotti explained to the Brazilian channel “Blacar”, “We can benefit from a player who is able to provide a lot as a winger, and not as an outright striker inside the penalty area, because I am not stupid and he is not a primary reference in the penalty area. But when he attacks the penalty area and is in a position that allows him to move, he becomes very dangerous.”
Sixth star man
Brazilian legend Cafu believes that Vinny is capable of being a “sixth star” man.
“In these eight matches (if reaching the final), Vinicius Junior has everything he needs to show the whole world his worth and what he is capable of on the field,” the defender, whose record includes 142 caps (a Brazilian record), said in April at the Laureus Awards ceremony.
Cafu’s statement came after the talented Spanish player from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, was crowned the best young athlete in the world.
