Brazil was knocked out of this year’s Copa America by Uruguay in the quarter-finals, losing in a penalty shootout. Vinicius Junior missed the critical match due to a suspension from accumulating yellow cards. He received the first yellow card in a 4-1 win against Paraguay, where he scored twice, and the second in a 1-1 draw with Colombia.
After Brazil’s elimination, Vinicius expressed his regret and apologized to fans on Instagram. He wrote, “Copa America is over and it’s time to reflect, and know how to deal with defeat. The feeling of frustration kicks in again and again on the penalties.”
The winger did not shy away from accepting responsibility for his suspension, acknowledging it was due to his reckless actions.
“I received two yellow cards and watched elimination from outside again, but this time it’s my fault. I apologise for that,” he wrote.
Vinicius also responded to the criticism following Brazil’s exit, stating that he is his own harshest critic.
“I know how to listen to the criticism and the harshest ones, believe me, come from within,” he wrote.
He emphasized that his journey with the national team is just beginning and he is determined to help Brazil achieve its goals in the future.
“My national team journey, fortunately, is just beginning,” he said. “Next to my teammates, I’ll have the chance to relocate our national team to the place it deserves. WE WILL BE BACK ON TOP! I LOVE YOU AND WE ARE TOGETHER! 7️⃣🇧🇷🤝🏿.”
Vinicius will take a break before returning to pre-season training with Real Madrid in Spain. Carlo Ancelotti’s team will soon head to the USA, where they will face AC Milan in Chicago on July 31, followed by a much-anticipated match against Barcelona in New Jersey on August 3, and concluding their tour with a game against Chelsea on August 6.
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Vinicius Junior
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
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