Ancelotti Hails Vinicius As Brazil Star Continues World Cup Scoring Run

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has described Vinicius Junior as “one of the best players in the world” after the forward scored twice in Brazil’s convincing 3-0 win over Scotland to seal top spot in Group C at the World Cup.

The Real Madrid winger scored twice before the break in Miami, including a rare headed goal, as Brazil secured passage to the last 32 with an unbeaten record. The 25-year-old has now scored four goals in three matches at the tournament.

“I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup,” said Ancelotti.

“For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header, which is very rare for him.

“I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world.”

Ancelotti’s praise carries extra weight given the pair spent four seasons together at Real Madrid. Vinicius had already found the net in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco and the 3-0 win over Haiti, making him the first Brazilian player to score in all three group-stage matches of a World Cup since Ronaldo and Rivaldo achieved the feat in 2002.

Only Jairzinho in 1970 and Romario in 1994 have managed the same feat for Brazil at previous World Cups. On each occasion, Brazil went on to lift the trophy.

Vinicius is now level with France forward Kylian Mbappe and Norway striker Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot, with only Lionel Messi ahead of the trio.

“I always say I am not that bothered about numbers. I am not used to scoring so many goals, but the coach has moved me into a position to which I have adapted well, and now I am scoring and helping the team,” Vinicius told Brazilian broadcaster CazeTV.

“Hopefully I can keep going to the final. I am very happy with the work being done by the team. If everyone is playing well, the ball will arrive in attacking areas and we will have chances to score goals.”

Matheus Cunha added Brazil’s third goal before making way for Neymar, who made his first international appearance since October 2023. The Manchester United forward’s contribution helped complete another polished Brazilian display.

Ancelotti was equally pleased to see Neymar back in action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“He deserved to come on. He has worked hard and trained hard to recover fitness. He has done it very professionally,” Ancelotti said.

“He has the quality to help the team at this World Cup and he played well in the few minutes he was on.

“He needs no motivation to play for Brazil, none of the players do. He is 34 but he has the same passion for playing football as a kid.”

Brazil will now travel to Houston for a last-32 clash against the runners-up from Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all still in contention.