Vinicius Jr’s Brazilian disappointment continued Thursday night, as the Real Madrid winger endured another forgettable showing in the Selecao’s 1-1 draw with Venezuela in Conmebol World Cup qualifying.
Brazil salvaged a point, in the end, Raphinha burying their only goal. But it was Vinicius’ struggles that will serve as the defining takeaway from the game, the Madrid man missing a penalty and failing to create in another disappointing showing.
Raphinha enjoyed a good chance early on, but blasted the ball over the bar from a Vinicius cutback. Gerson followed his attempt with a speculative effort that required a full-stretch stop from the Venezuela goalkeeper. The goalie was helpless for the Selecao opener, though, Raphinha making up for his previous miss by curling a free kick in off the post from 25 yards out.
Venezuela fended off pressure from the remainder of the half, though – and made the most of it early on in the second. Telasco Segovia bagged the equaliser, smashing home from the top of the box. Brazil might have taken the lead on the hour mark, but Vinicius missed a penalty, and scuffed the ensuing rebound. The Selecao had few other chances, as Venezuela were happy to see out the contest in scrappy fashion. Vinicius, by the end of it all, was throwing his arms around in frustration in another morbid international showing.
GOAL rates Brazil’s players from Estadio Monumental de Maturin…