Copa America 2024: Fans Laud Vinicius Junior's Display vs Paraguay

• Vinicius Junior powered Brazil to a commanding victory against Paraguay in their second Group D match of the Copa America
• It was the perfect response for the 23-year-old, who came under serious scrutiny after disappointing against Costa Rica
• Vini's brace against Albirroja shoots him up on the top scorers' chart at the ongoing championship with two goals from two matches

Fans were thrilled with Vinicius Junior's performance in Brazil's Copa America 2024 match against Paraguay on Friday, June 28.

The group stage game took place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, with the Selecao Canarinho securing a 4-1 victory.

Lucas Paqueta missed a penalty in the 31st minute, but Vinicius opened the scoring just four minutes later, assisted by the West Ham United midfielder.

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Brazil extended their lead in the 43rd minute with a goal from 20-year-old Savio.

Vinicius added another goal in the final moments of the first half (45+5 minutes).

Paraguay's Omar Alderete scored in the 48th minute, but Paqueta restored Brazil's three-goal lead with a 65th-minute penalty.

Paraguay's Andres Cubas was sent off in the 81st minute, leaving his team with 10 men.

Fans praise Vinicius after Paraguay performance

Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Vinicius' performance.

While some praised the Real Madrid star's contributions, others defended him against recent criticism. Here are some of their reactions on X:

@Joshinho wrote:

"Hope Ronaldinho is watching"

@Anadoni added:

"Vinicius plays better when the whole world is against him."

@Peterres said:

"Three goals. Second Vinicius goal. This is so fun to watch now."

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Another fan wrote:

"Nahhhhh I just saw Vini send a man to the shadow realm wow wow wow"

One user said:

"Vini Jr is my type of winger. It’s just fun but effective too."

Vinicius pays homage to Neymar during Paraguay game

Relatedly, Sports Brief reported that Vinicius paid homage to Neymar with a themed celebration after scoring twice in Brazil's second-group match against Paraguay.

Instead of his usual dance, he adopted Neymar Jr.'s signature gesture: hands on top of his head with his tongue out.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star explained on X (previously called Twitter) that this gesture is directed at his critics.