Overview
- Pressure on Vinícius grew after Brazil’s 1-2 loss to France on March 26 in Boston, which renewed doubts about his impact for the national team.
- Former internationals Luis Fabiano and Fábio Luciano criticized his Brazil form, with Luciano urging coaches to take the No. 10 off him and calling the winger a better fit for No. 7 or 11.
- Carlo Ancelotti kept faith by starting Vinícius in a 3-1 win over Croatia, where the Real Madrid forward set up Danilo’s goal before going off in the 67th minute.
- The No. 10 carries rare weight in Brazil because it is linked to playmakers like Pelé and Neymar, which has sharpened criticism of a direct, wide forward wearing it.
- Vinícius said Brazil are not favorites based on recent results and pledged to help lift the team, with Ancelotti set to name the final World Cup squad on May 18.