Vinicius Junior Apologizes As Brazil Record Fourth Defeat In Five Games

Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior has apologized to Brazilian fans after Brazil suffered their fourth defeat in five games.

Vinicius Junior was toothless in Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the early hours of today, September 11.

Diego Gomez of Inter Miami secured the decisive goal for Paraguay in Asuncion just 20 minutes into the match, putting Brazil under pressure and prompting them to struggle to register a single shot on target during the first half.

The starting lineup for Brazil featured prominent players such as Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle’s midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and West Ham’s playmaker Lucas Paqueta. Additionally, the attacking trio comprised Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Junior.

Following the disappointing defeat, Vinicius expressed his regret to the fans, acknowledging the challenging period and the team’s determination to improve.

Despite his impressive track record of over 20 goals in each of the last three seasons with Real Madrid, the 24-year-old winger has found it difficult to replicate that success on the international stage, with only five goals from 35 caps for Brazil and failing to score in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Following Brazil’s defeat to Paraguay, Vinicius Junior emphasized his belief in his potential and what he can contribute to the national team, citing a lack of confidence as a significant obstacle to achieving his goals.

“I want to apologize to the fans, I know it’s a difficult time, but we just want to improve,” Vinicius told Brazilian TV channel Globo.

He added, “I know my potential, what I can do for the national team.

“Of course, it’s been a very complicated process because when you don’t have confidence, you don’t get goals.”

Currently, Brazil sit in fifth place in the qualifying table, with only three wins out of eight games.

Manager Dorival Jr, who was appointed in January, has faced challenges in revitalizing the team’s performance, as evidenced by their exit in the Copa America quarter-finals earlier in the summer.