It’s Vinícius, Not Neymar

Two takeaways so far: Brazil’s new game needed a new star. But goalies have been the real heroes

Carlo Ancelotti chewed his gum. Brazil was in deep trouble after the first 30 minutes of its World Cup debut – the first match without Neymar available since 2014. Bruno Guimarães passed to Vinícius Júnior, who cut inside to open up the angle. Ancelotti had seen this scene too many times managing Real Madrid, but not yet with Brazil. Without hesitation, Vinícius smashed it hard into the back of the net. It was a pivotal moment, the instant the plan started to work.
Playing for a global powerhouse like Brazil is a privilege few footballers ever get to experience, especially at a World Cup. The downside is the weight that comes with it.

Brazil has not won the title since 2002 – 24 years now, the longest drought in its history alongside the gap between 1970 and 1994, the only other time the wait stretched that long since the country’s first title, in 1958.

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