Brazil unable to maximize Vinicius' potential

Brazil's poor Copa America opener dampened excitement around Vinicius Jr. as he struggled to make an impact against Costa Rica.

Vinicius Jr. entered the Copa America with high expectations, being considered a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or following his outstanding season with Real Madrid in LaLiga. However, Brazil's lackluster performance in their goalless draw against Costa Rica in the tournament opener has cast a shadow over the excitement surrounding their new manager and revamped squad led by Vinicius.

Despite promising results against England and Spain earlier in the year, Brazil struggled to break down Costa Rica's five-man defense. As frustration mounted, manager Dorival Jr. made the surprising decision to substitute Vinicius in the 70th minute, much to the dismay of fans and even injured star Neymar, who was in attendance.

Vinicius, known for his speed and ability to score crucial goals in pressure situations, had a successful season with Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and playing a key role in their Champions League triumph. However, his role with Brazil is different, as he is often deployed as a wide forward on the left, resulting in fewer goals for the national team.

Dorival's challenge lies in finding a way to utilize Vinicius effectively without compromising the team's attacking prowess. The upcoming games will be crucial for Brazil as they seek to strike the right balance and unleash the full potential of their star player.