PA Media/DPA
London
Brazil coach Dorival Junior was delighted with the commitment of his players as he celebrated his first competitive win in charge of the national team, a 4-1 Copa America rout of Paraguay in Las Vegas on Friday.
Vinicius Junior was the star of the show with a brace - his first in international football - while Savio and Lucas Paqueta got the others, with Omar Alderete replying for Paraguay early in the second half.
It was a much-needed show of attacking force from Brazil, who began their campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in Group D.
“We didn’t have possession of the ball like in the previous match, but the effectiveness was greater,” Dorival said in a post-match press conference.
“We created difficulties for the opponent. I reversed Paqueta with Joao (Gomes) from left to right and that gave freedom to Bruno Guimaraes and Paqueta himself.” Vinicius had not scored for Brazil in over a year coming into the match, but opened the scoring in the 34th minute and, after Savio had doubled Brazil’s advantage, got the third in first-half stoppage time when Paraguay failed to clear their lines.
“Vini played a practically perfect match, creating great moves and very dynamic plays,” Dorival added. “It was direct and participatory.
That’s what we want from players who have individual qualities.” The Real Madrid forward said: “I always say that I never play for myself, but for the team, for Brazil, for my country. I always try to do my best, but it’s not always possible.
“Today I played a great match. Given the level of player that I am, I know that I can improve a lot to help the national team, this team that wants to put Brazil where it deserves to be.”
Brazil will now turn attention to Tuesday’s match against Colombia, who sit two points above them at the top of the group.
“Everyone is well prepared,” Dorival added. “We will face a tough opponent, but we have to believe in our top-level players.”
