Copa America: Injured Neymar Cheekily Asks to Take Brazil’s Second Penalty vs Paraguay

• Brazil bounced back to winning ways with a comprehensive 4-1 win at the Copa America to knock out Paraguay
• Vinicius Junior scored two first-half goals, while Lucas Paqueta and Savio also got on the scoresheet at the Allegiant Stadium
• Neymar, who is recovering from a knee injury, had a funny moment from the stands as he cheekily asked to take a penalty

Brazilian superstar Neymar Junior was caught in a hilarious moment during his nation’s Copa America game against Paraguay on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Neymar, who watched his nation from the VIP box, cheekily asked to take Brazll’s spot-kick when the Samba Boys were handed a second penalty of the game at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, Las Vegas.

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The 31-year-old was consistently animated in the stands, cheering Brazil on as they sought to bounce back from a drab performance against Costa Rica in their opening game.

Vinicius Junior was particularly electric last evening, with his pace and trickery proving too much for the Paraguay defenders at times.

The Real Madrid man found his team’s opener in the 36th minute, rounding off a wonderful team move moments after Lucas Paqueta had missed a penalty.

Girona forward Savio doubled his nation’s lead by pouncing onto a rebound, and Vinicius Junior put the game beyond doubt by diverting a clearance from Omar Alderete into the net.

Brazil’s second penalty

In a game that was full of bookings, Brazil got the chance to score a fourth from the penalty spot after a handball by Mathías Villasanti.

Paqueta took the spot kick for the second time and made no mistake from 12 yards.

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Before the penalty, cameras turned to Neymar, who stole the show with his enthusiasm as a Brazil fan from the stands.

The Al-Hilal forward was seen pointing to himself as he jokingly shouted, “I’ll take it! I’ll take it,” in his native language.

Why is Neymar not at the Copa America?

It came as a surprise to sections of fans that Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer was not on Dorival Júnior’s final 26-man squad for the Copa America.

Neymar has been out of football action since October 2023 after rupturing his ACL during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, per beIN Sports.

Another major exclusion from the squad is Casemiro, but the Manchester United midfielder’s exclusion is for tactical reasons.

Vinicius Junior pays tribute to Neymar

Sports Brief also reported on how Vinicius Junior paid tribute to Neymar with his goal celebration after scoring against Paraguay.

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

Neymar has in the past explained on Twitter that this gesture is aimed at his critics.