Vinícius Júnior has apologised to Brazil fans after their 1-0 defeat to Paraguay in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, admitting it is a “difficult time” for the national team.
The defeat in Asuncion left Brazil fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, behind Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador, with just 10 points from eight games so far.
Vinícius started the match alongside Real Madrid teammates Rodrygo and Endrick, but the trio were unable to respond after Diego Gómez put Paraguay ahead in the 20th minute.
“We apologize to the fans, who are always on our side,” Vinícius told Sportv. “But we are in a difficult moment, we just want to improve… I know my potential, I know what I can do for the national team. Of course it has been a very difficult process, because when you don't have confidence, you don't score goals, you don't get assists or good performances.
“I know what I can improve. I know what I stand for. When I'm better, I'll be a great reassurance to others. I know my responsibility, I want to improve as quickly as possible.”
The top six countries in the CONMEBOL standings will advance directly to the 2026 World Cup, with the seventh-place team moving on to the playoffs.
Brazil is fifth in the table, ahead of Venezuela on goal difference and one point above seventh-placed Paraguay.
“It's completely different [than playing for Real Madrid]”Vinicius said. “Matches in Europe are different, the ball goes from one side to the other.” [of the pitch] the other faster… We have to know how to adapt, so that everyone plays better, so that we can win games.
“We know the situation we are in, we want to get Brazil out of this situation at any cost, we all have to go home now and start thinking about what we can do to play well again. We can't come here, lose these points and play like we did. It's a difficult moment, we have to take all the criticism and come back as quickly as possible to put Brazil back on top.”
Dorival Junior, who took over as Brazil coach in January this year following interim stints by Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz following Tite's departure after the 2022 World Cup, took responsibility for his side's defeat.
“You fight to give your best and that doesn't always happen,” Dorival said. “I could feel it. Not just with Viní. Because of how the first half went, we lacked a lot of things, I'm responsible for that.”
“I don't want to penalise any player, but we have to work and understand that we need more to get to the level that we all want… From the moment we conceded the goal we lost. Everything that was building up, until the end of the first half, we left and gave up. It was the worst part since we've been here.”
Brazil will play away to Chile on October 11, before hosting Peru five days later.
Dorival did not want to speculate on the return to the national team of Neymar, who is recovering from a knee ligament injury.
“First, he has to return to his club. [Al Hilal]”Until then, there is nothing to do. We are always in contact, trying to understand Neymar's situation, waiting for his recovery, but we have to wait.”
