Has Vinicius Jr brilliance just papered over the Brazilian cracks?Figure caption, Spectacular Vinicius Jr goal earns Brazil draw against MoroccoByNeil JohnstonBBC Sport journalist at New Jersey New York StadiumPublished1 hour ago”I am not here to be the best player of the tournament,” stated Vinicius Jr on the eve of Brazil’s opening World Cup game. “I am here to help Brazil get back to the top.”And the supremely talented forward backed up his words on the pitch at the New Jersey New York Stadium.Trailing Morocco 1-0 and looking decidedly second best, the five-time world champions got back on level terms thanks to a moment of brilliance by Vinicius on the biggest stage of all.Receiving the ball on the left side of the penalty area from Bruno Guimaraes’ pass, the Real Madrid forward cut back inside on to his right foot before lashing a brilliant strike into the roof of the net.It was a goal fitting for the World Cup, an outstanding moment of quality which dug his side out of a huge hole – and saved Brazil from losing their first opening game at a World Cup since 1934.Yet they were unable to go on and seal an opening win in Group C, with the match ending 1-1 after what former England captain Alan Shearer told BBC Sport was a “ragged” Brazil performance.
South American football expert Tim Vickery, speaking to BBC Sport, added: “Ideally you want the team to make the stars, here you have a case of the star saving the team.”
