GettyThe Real Madrid winger has yet to showcase his best performance for his national team – this will need to change during the Copa America quarterfinals.
Vinicius Jr's yellow card was a silly thing. It was the seventh minute of Brazil's Copa America group stage fixture with Colombia, and the electric winger was one booking away from being suspended for the knockouts. That was when Vinicius made a mistake. He raised his arm towards the face of James Rodriguez, challenging for a loose ball. Contact was minimal, but the experienced Colombian midfielder sold it expertly, flinging himself to the ground. The referee was always going to reach into his pocket – and rule Vinicius out for a must-win elimination fixture.
That, in turn, leaves the Selecao without their most apparent attacking threat against a dangerous Uruguay side in Saturday night's Copa America quarterfinal in Las Vegas. And it couldn't have come at a worse time. While Vinicius hadn't exactly set the world alight during the group phase, he remains a dynamic attacker – one of the world's best.
However, the players surrounding him have failed to meet expectations.
Rodrygo emerges as the primary offender, especially in regards to his performance. Despite being Vinicius’ teammate at Real Madrid, he has been relatively inconspicuous in Brazil’s three group matches, failing to contribute a goal or assist throughout the tournament. This has been a recurring pattern in his Brazil career, despite his undeniable talent. It is imperative that this changes promptly. With Vinicius unavailable, Rodrygo must seize the opportunity and take on a more significant role.
