Vinicius Jr.’s Copa America Quarterfinal Suspension and Rodrygo’s Opportunity
The Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Jr., is yet to find his best form for the Brazilian national team, and that will need to change in the upcoming Copa America quarterfinals. The electric forward’s yellow card in the group stage fixture against Colombia has resulted in a suspension, leaving the Selecao without their most apparent attacking threat against a dangerous Uruguay side in Saturday night’s quarterfinal clash in Las Vegas.
Vinicius Jr.’s yellow card came in the seventh minute of the match, as he raised his arm towards the face of James Rodriguez while challenging for a loose ball. The contact was minimal, but the experienced Colombian midfielder expertly sold the incident, leading the referee to reach into his pocket and rule Vinicius out for the must-win elimination fixture.
“This setback couldn’t have come at a worse time for Brazil, as Vinicius Jr. remains a dynamic attacker and one of the world’s best.”
This setback couldn’t have come at a worse time for Brazil, as Vinicius Jr. remains a dynamic attacker and one of the world’s best. However, the players around him, particularly his Real Madrid teammate Rodrygo, have failed to step up during the group stage.
Rodrygo has been near-anonymous across Brazil’s three group games, failing to register a goal or assist in the tournament. This has been the case for much of his Brazil career, as the immense talent is yet to make a significant impact for his country.
With Vinicius Jr. sidelined, Rodrygo will have the opportunity to shine in the quarterfinals. The pressure is on the young forward to step up and fill the void left by his teammate’s absence, as Brazil looks to secure a spot in the semifinals of the 2023 Copa America.
The Euro 2024 qualifiers, Champions League, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Women’s World Cup, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations standings, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup, will continue to be closely followed by football enthusiasts around the world.
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