Brazil will be without talisman Vinicius Jr. for their Copa America quarter-final tie with Uruguay, much to head coach Dorival Junior’s frustration.
The 23-year-old forward brought James down early in the first half of Brazil’s final group stage against Colombia, which would go on to finish 1-1.
Vinicius Jr. pleaded his case with referee Jesus Valenzuela, but his protests were in vain and the Selecao will now face Uruguay without their leader as he serves a one-game ban due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Vinicius Jr. proved his worth to Dorival Junior by scoring twice in Brazil’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their second group game.
Considering the nine-time Copa America winners weren’t at their scintillating best throughout the group stage, also drawing to Costa Rica, they didn’t exactly need the task of overcoming Uruguay to become harder.
Brazil’s head coach vented his frustration after the game, telling reporters: “It was very strange, the booking.
“It was the first challenge of the game.
“But people say we have to learn to play without our big stars, so now is the time.
“In certain moments, we won’t have important players.
“We’ve already lost Neymar.
“It’s a moment for other players to step up.”
However, Vinicius Jr. is currently tied second in the race for the Golden Boot at this year’s tournament on two goals, behind only Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez (four).
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Brazil face a Uruguay outfit that looks primed to win their first Copa America since 2011.
Ernesto Valverde’s side won all three of their group games, including a 5-0 win over Bolivia, and will fancy their chances against the Selecao when they meet in Las Vegas on Saturday.
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