Vinícius Júnior has called for Brazil to push the reset button following their alarming 4-1 defeat at Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.
Playing without injured captain Lionel Messi, Argentina outplayed Brazil at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, with the visitors having just one shot on target.
“Everyone did badly, we played badly, and Argentina played an excellent game, with their fans,” Vinícius told reporters. “We have to rethink everything we’ve been doing, because the pressure will come, the people want us to win.
“The World Cup is only a year away and I’ve already played in a World Cup and I don’t want to lose again. I think we have to do a lot of different things and take the good things we’re doing in qualifying to build a squad. Everyone knows how difficult it is to play in this kit, but we have to improve, keep our heads up, because we’re Brazilians and we never give up.
We’re going to qualify for the World Cup and try to do everything for our country.”
Tuesday’s loss was Brazil’s fifth defeat in qualifying and their first since a 1-0 setback at Paraguay in September.
The outcome left Dorival Júnior’s side fourth in the South American qualifying group, 10 points adrift of leaders Argentina, who have already sealed a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
“Argentina have been working together for a long time,” Vinícius said. “[They have] a lot of players that have played together for a long time in the national team, they won the last World Cup, they have the confidence. We’re trying to find our way of playing, to win the fans’ confidence, but it’s a long job. We have to keep improving.”
Argentina’s Julián Álvarez said Raphinha’s comments ahead of the game acted as an incentive.
