Copa America 2024: Vinicius Junior Appears to Slam CONMEBOL, Referees After Shinning for Brazil

Copa America 2024: Vinicius Junior Appears to Slam CONMEBOL, Referees After Shinning for Brazil

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
June 29, 2024 at 7:13 AM
In this article:
Vinícius logo
Vinícius
Real Madrid logoFBrazil logo
Brazil logo
Brazil
Brazil
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CONMEBOL Copa America logo
CONMEBOL Copa America
Americas
Paraguay logo
Paraguay
Paraguay
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Costa Rica logo
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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  • Vinicius Junior has called out the standard of refereeing at Copa America 2024, suggesting it has fallen short of expectations
  • Despite scoring twice in Brazil’s win over Paraguay, it did little to quell the winger's qualms with officiating in the competition
  • The Selecao now looks ahead to their final group match against Colombia, with Vini and co. determined to continue their winning run

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Brazilian superstar, Vinicius Junior, has criticised the level of officiating at the ongoing 2024 Copa America in the United States.

Following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica, Vinicius was instrumental in getting the Selecao’s campaign back on track with a standout performance in their second Group D match against Paraguay.

Vinicius Junior, CONMEBOL, referee, official, officiating, Brazil, Copa America. Costa Rica, penalty, goal.
Vinicius Junior and his teammates challenge referee César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos during Brazil's Copa America opener vs Costa Rica on June 24, 2024. Photo by Eurasia Sport Images.
Source: Getty Images

The 23-year-old showcased his exceptional dribbling skills, scoring twice and earning the man-of-the-match award for his efforts.

CBS Sports reports that his contributions, along with a rebound goal from Savio and a penalty from Lucas Paqueta, sealed Brazil's decisive 4-1 victory.

Vinicius laments about officiating at Copa America

Despite the emphatic win, Vinicius did not hold back in expressing his frustrations about the standard of officiating.

After the match at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the Real Madrid forward criticised the refereeing levels at the South American championship.

He reflected on previous grievances, including a disallowed goal against Costa Rica and a penalty appeal that was dismissed, which had left the Brazilians feeling hard done by.

Although there was no significant controversy in the game against Paraguay, Vini Jr. was subjected to harsh tackles from the Albirroja players throughout the match.

His frustration with the referees’ decisions was evident as he voiced his concerns about the inconsistencies in officiating that have marred the tournament.

"It is very difficult to play in these stadiums with the referees always against us. The way CONMEBOL treats Brazil is very complicated," he decried, as cited by Madrid Zone.

Vinicius Junior's ambitious Copa America dream

Sports Brief also reported that Vinicius set an ambitious goal after helping Brazil secure their first win at Copa America 2024.

After facing harsh criticism for not replicating his club form in Brazil's opening game against Costa Rica, Vini Jr. silenced his detractors with an outstanding performance.

While winning the trophy remains a long-term objective, the 23-year-old assured fans that he and his teammates are dedicated to working towards that dream.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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