Vinicius double gives Brazil win over Paraguay

Vinicius Junior scored twice as Brazil beat Paraguay 4-1 in Group D of the Copa America in Nevada on Saturday, making up for a lacklustre showing in their opening game of the continental tournament.

From the start, the Real Madrid striker was a constant threat to Paraguay on the left flank thanks to his speed and skills, although he was not very influential in his country’s first match in the tournament, which ended in a goalless draw with Costa Rica.

Vinicius struck first in the 35th minute when he sent in Lucas Paqueta’s pass to finish off a move by the nine-times champions.

Girona winger Savio extended the Brazilian side’s lead after tapping in a rebound in the penalty area before Vinicius added his second goal in first-half stoppage time when he turned in a ball cleared by Omar Alderete into the net.

In the second half, Paraguay scored through Alderete, who shot skillfully from long range, but Paqueta ended any hopes of a comeback for Paraguay when he successfully converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute, making up for his missed penalty in the first half, which Brazil won due to a handball.

As the match neared its end, the atmosphere became tense and Paraguay’s Andres Cubas was sent off after kicking Douglas Lewis, while Brazil took advantage of the numerical disadvantage of their opponents to maintain their lead and secure the three points.

This is the first win for the Brazilian national team in six official matches and the team’s first victory in an official match under coach Dorival Junior, who took over the team last January.

“During the first half, especially until the 40th minute, the match was very balanced,” Paraguay coach Daniel Garnero told reporters after the match. “I think we created some chances. Unfortunately, in three minutes when we lost our concentration, they scored two goals that had a big impact on the result. Also, Vinicius is a rare player, there is no doubt about that.”

After the first two rounds of the group stage, Colombia tops Group D with six points after its victory earlier on Saturday over Costa Rica, thus securing a place in the quarter-finals, while Brazil is in second place with four points, followed by Costa Rica with one point, while Paraguay is at the bottom of the standings with no points, having been eliminated from the tournament after two defeats.

This is the second time that Paraguay has been eliminated from the tournament in the first round since 2001.

In the third and final round of the group stage, Brazil will meet Colombia in California next Tuesday, while Costa Rica will meet Paraguay at the same time in Texas.