Brazil Player Ratings: Vinicius Jr's Poor Performance Dims Venezuela Win
The Seleção cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Venezuela in their latest World Cup qualifier, but not everything went to plan. While Neymar once again shone with a goal and an assist, the performance of Vinicius Jr. left much to be desired.
Let's dive into the individual player ratings from the game:
Neymar: 8/10
The Paris Saint-Germain star was simply unstoppable. He orchestrated the attack, created chances, and ultimately bagged a goal with a trademark curling free-kick. His influence on the game was undeniable, and he seemed to be on a mission to prove his fitness and form.
Raphinha: 7/10
The Leeds winger provided constant width and threat down the right flank. He linked up well with Neymar, creating dangerous opportunities and even assisting on one of the goals. He was a constant nuisance for the Venezuelan defense and offered a different dimension to the Brazilian attack.
Vinicius Jr.: 5/10
This was a disappointing night for the Real Madrid winger. He struggled to find his rhythm, his touch was off, and he was unable to make the same impact he usually does. He looked frustrated and out of sorts, which is a rare sight for a player who thrives on confidence. Let's hope he can bounce back quickly.
Casemiro: 7/10
The defensive midfielder was his usual rock-solid self. He provided a strong base in midfield, winning tackles, breaking up attacks, and offering protection to the backline. His presence allowed the likes of Neymar and Raphinha to roam freely in attack.
Other Notable Performances:
- Alisson Becker (7/10): The Liverpool keeper was rarely tested but made a couple of crucial saves when called upon.
- Marquinhos (7/10): The Paris Saint-Germain center-back was a calming influence at the back and marshaled the defense with authority.
- Antony (6/10): The Manchester United winger came on in the second half and injected some much-needed pace and dynamism.
Takeaways:
The Seleção will be happy with the result but will be hoping for a much-improved performance from Vinicius Jr. in their next game. He is a key player for Brazil, and his form will be crucial in their quest to win the World Cup.
This was a mixed bag of a performance for Brazil. While the result was positive, there are still areas to improve, and the team's performance will be closely watched going forward.