Vinícius Jr speaks after carrying Brazil: “I’ve always said it…”

Vinícius Jr., the electrifying Real Madrid winger, delivered a moment of sheer brilliance on Thursday night, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Brazil against Colombia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Vinícius struck in the 99th minute, igniting celebrations among Brazilian fans and players alike. His goal not only secured three invaluable points for the Seleção but also reaffirmed his status as a key figure in the squad.

After the final whistle, Vinícius was brimming with joy and gratitude. “I am very happy,” he said in his post-match interview. “We deserved this win, and I deserved this goal for everything we worked for.” His words reflected not just personal satisfaction but also a deep appreciation for the collective effort of his teammates.

The victory was more than just another three points for Brazil. It symbolized a turning point for a team that has struggled to find its rhythm in the qualifiers. Vinícius acknowledged this, stating, “This match could be a turning point for us. We need to keep believing and improving.”

His teammates showered him with praise, recognizing his immense contribution to the squad. Neymar, who is recovering from injury, posted on social media: “What a player! Vinícius is the future of Brazil.”

The match itself was a tense affair, with both teams fighting hard for supremacy. Colombia had equalized in the second half, but Brazil remained resilient. The winning goal came after a swift counterattack, showcasing Vinícius’ blistering pace and clinical finishing ability.

Beyond his heroics on the pitch, Vinícius spoke passionately about his love for the national team. “Playing for Brazil is something I can never take for granted. Every time I wear this jersey, it’s like the first time all over again,” he said. His deep emotional connection with the Seleção is evident, and his commitment to the cause is unquestionable.

The match was not without its challenges for Vinícius. At one point, he became visibly frustrated with some of the referee’s decisions, and his teammates had to pull him away to prevent him from receiving a yellow card. A booking would have meant missing the high-stakes clash against Argentina on November 25. “In knockout-style games, it’s always tricky. One mistake and you get punished. My teammates were smart to keep me calm,” he admitted.

With this victory, Brazil has climbed to second place in the standings, accumulating 21 points and closing the gap on Argentina. Meanwhile, Colombia remains in sixth place with 19 points, clinging to the last direct qualification spot for the World Cup.

Brazil’s resurgence in the qualifiers has been largely credited to Vinícius’ leadership and match-winning performances. As the team prepares for its next challenge against Argentina, all eyes will be on the Real Madrid star to see if he can once again rise to the occasion.

“We know the challenge ahead,” Vinícius said about the upcoming Argentina match. “They are a great team, but we have to show that we are Brazil. We will fight for every ball and every moment.”

His rise to prominence has been remarkable. From being a promising young talent to becoming Brazil’s go-to player in crucial moments, Vinícius has embraced the responsibility with open arms.

His performance against Colombia has further fueled comparisons to past Brazilian greats like Ronaldinho and Rivaldo. While Vinícius remains humble, his ambition is clear: “I want to win titles for Brazil. I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything for this team.”

Fans and pundits alike have praised his growth as a player, both in terms of skill and maturity. Former Brazil striker Ronaldo commented, “Vinícius is proving that he belongs among the world’s best. His hunger and talent are undeniable.”

As Brazil marches on in the qualifiers, the importance of Vinícius Jr. cannot be overstated. His ability to change games in an instant makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in world football today.

With the Argentina showdown looming, the excitement continues to build. Can Vinícius Jr. deliver another match-winning performance and help Brazil take another step toward World Cup qualification? If his recent form is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes.