Vinicius Jr says he is waiting for a gift from Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti after proving him wrong with a headed goal in Brazil’s World Cup win over Scotland.
The Real Madrid forward was the standout performer as Brazil secured top spot in Group C with a commanding victory, scoring twice in a performance that also settled a private bet with his manager.
Vinicius opened the scoring early in the match before adding a second before the break, with his header becoming the talking point after the final whistle.
Speaking after the game, the 25-year-old said the goal fulfilled a promise he had made to Ancelotti, who had doubted his ability to score with his head.
Vinicius told SporTV : “I’m not worried about the numbers, but rather about doing my job as best as possible to help the Selecao.”
“I am very happy with the goals, today there was even a header, which I had promised the coach I would score and he said it was kind of impossible and that he would pay me a gift. So I’ll wait.”
Vinicius said his focus remained on helping Brazil progress in the competition despite the individual milestone.
“The most important thing is the victories, our improvement in the competition and in the games.
“Now it’s time to continue and improve even more for the next objective, because now it’s the knockout stage,” he added.
The forward’s display also saw him join an elite group of Brazilian players to score in every group-stage match of a single World Cup edition.
Brazil punished Scotland’s defensive mistakes from the start, with Vinicius rounding the goalkeeper to score after a poor clearance in the seventh minute.
He had another effort ruled out by VAR before completing his brace in first-half stoppage time, meeting a deep cross from Bruno Guimaraes with a header to double Brazil’s lead and settle the joke with his coach.
Brazil, now through as group winners, will head into the knockout stage with confidence as Ancelotti’s side continue their push in the tournament.
