Vinicius Junior Silences Critics, Scores Brazil’s First Goal at Copa America 2024 vs Paraguay: Video

• Brazilian forward, Vinicius Junior, opened his side's goal-scoring account at Copa America 2024 after an exquisite team build-up
• His goal opened the floodgates as the Selecao went on to thrash Paraguay 4-1 to get their tournament back on track after a slow start
• It was Vini Jr.'s maiden goal for Brazil since scoring in a friendly match against the West African nation, Guinea, on June 17, 2023

Vinicius Junior silenced his critics by scoring his and Brazil's maiden goal at the 2024 Copa America on Friday, June 28, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

After facing intense scrutiny and struggling in Brazil's opening match against Costa Rica, the Real Madrid winger finally answered his detractors.

The 23-year-old has been a standout at Santiago Bernabeu, playing a pivotal role in Los Blancos' La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs last season.

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And rightly so, expectations were high that he would replicate his stellar club form with the national team at the Copa America.

However, his performance against Costa Rica was disappointing. With 20 minutes remaining, he was substituted as Dorival Junior's side settled for a goalless draw.

Despite this, he retained his starting spot against Paraguay, and it proved to be a wise decision as he rewarded the coach's faith with a goal.

Vinicius scores Brazil's first goal at Copa America 2024

After several close attempts, including a missed penalty by Lucas Paqueta, Brazil finally found their breakthrough through Vini Jr.

The Madrid star orchestrated the play, executing a give-and-go with a teammate before Paqueta threaded a pass to him.

Vinicius took a touch and coolly slipped the ball past the Paraguayan goalkeeper to break the deadlock in the 35th minute, Sportstar reports.

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According to The Mirror, he added a second before half-time, while teammates Savio and Lucas Paqueta glossed over the score to give Brazil a 4-1 win.

Vinicius 'cooks' defender with rainbow flick

In the same game, Vinicius Junior dazzled as Brazil stormed to a commanding victory against Paraguay, as reported by Sports Brief.

The highlight of his dribbling masterclass came just before his opening goal, where he executed a stunning rainbow flick before threading the ball through Damian Bobadilla's legs.

With his nutmegs, shimmies, and bursts of sheer speed, he electrified the Las Vegas crowd almost single-handedly.