Why Vinicius Jr. will miss Copa America 2024 quarterfinal clash against Uruguay?

Vinicius was booked in clash against Colombia.

Vinicius Jr. and Brazil have booked their place in the quarterfinals of Copa America 2024 following a mixed-bag group stage display that saw them surprisingly finish second in Group D behind table toppers and dark horse Colombia.

Tournament favourites Brazil kicked off their campaign in underwhelming fashion as they succumbed to a shocking goalless draw to a resolute Costa Rica in their opening game. However, Dorival Junior’s side responded to adversity with flying colours as they dismantled a hapless Paraguay 4-1 in their next game, in what was a ruthless performance by the 9-time Copa America champions.

Despite the big win, Brazil could not get the job done against Colombia in their final group game as Raphinha’s stunning opening goal was canceled out by Los Cafeteros’ right-back Daniel Munoz, who scored the equalizer in first-half stoppage time to level the game, as the match eventually ended 1-1.

Throughout their group stage run, the Seleção Canarinha have had positive showings only in patches, with their incompetence in the final third of the attacking play being an alarming issue that coach Dorival Junior will look to resolve heading into the decisive knockout rounds of the competition.

The 2019 Copa America winners are set to face Group C table-toppers Uruguay at the Allegiant Stadium in the quarterfinals. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay has been one of the most entertaining teams in Copa America 2024, as they recorded a perfect group stage performance with three wins out of three, beating the likes of Panama, the USA, and Bolivia in the process.

Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr. has had a good Copa America campaign for Brazil so far, as he has proven to be a constant threat on the left flank for opposition defences during the group stages due to his lightening pace and intricate dribbling skills. As of now, he has scored two goals in the tournament, which came in the form of a well-taken brace against Paraguay in the second match.

However, Brazil will be without the services of their star player in the crucial quarterfinal match against La Celeste, as Vinicius Jr. picked up his second yellow card in the final group game against Colombia, due to which he is now obligated to serve a mandatory one-match suspension.

During the match against Colombia, the 23-year-old winger received a yellow card in the first half for allegedly landing a hit on Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez. Dorival Junior wasn’t much pleased with the referee’s strange decision, as he now looks to tactically adapt in order to cope with a top team like Uruguay during their quarterfinal meeting. Vinicius Jr. picked up his first yellow card a game prior, in Brazil’s dominating win against Paraguay.

Heading into their feisty quarterfinals fixture, Brazil are still slight favourites to beat an in-form Uruguay and progress to the semifinal stage of Copa America 2024.

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