'Doesn’t Deserve the Ballon d'Or!': Brazil Fans Criticize Vinicius Junior After 1-0 Loss to Paraguay

In an unfortunate sequence of circumstances, Brazil lost to Paraguay 1-0 in a heartbreaking match. Diego Gómez's goal in the 20th minute guaranteed the outcome of the game, so Brazil was left with poor 29% for possession and struggled. Brazil's performance fell short compared to Paraguay's 7 shots and 2 shots on target—just 9 shots and 3 shots on target. Brazil also received four yellow cards in the game, which emphasises even more the team's hardships and discontent. With 3 wins, 1 draw, and 4 defeats in the past 8 games, this loss puts Brazil in 5th position in the rankings and marks a period of inconsistency and struggle for the squad in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

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Fans bash Vinicius Jr. after his poor performance for Brazil against Paraguay 

Disappointed with Vinicius Junior on X, several Brazilian supporters have said he is no longer deserving of the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Real Madrid attacker had little impact on the game. Brazil lost 1-0 to Paraguay on September 10 in their World Cup qualifier. When it comes to the national team, Brazil is always seen stretched to a safe place only by their legend Neymar. However, after being injured for over a year, the 5-time World Champions miss their all-time top goal scorer. The new generation is visibly failing to fill in the shoes of past legends like Pele, Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and more.

Diego Gomez of Paraguay startled Brazil with a goal in the 20th minute, striking a shot with the outside of his right foot from approximately 20 yards out. Five minutes later Vinicius had a chance to equalise, but his attempt was off-target. He also passed up a chance to score in the 74th minute.

FotMob gave the 24-year-old a mere 6.1 rating. Vinicius lost five out of seven duels, finished 15 of 21 passes with a 71% accuracy rate, and dribbled one successfully from four tries throughout the game.

Though a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or this year, Vinicius has not had much of influence on the Brazilian national team. In 35 outings, his international record is five goals and five assists.

With just 10 points from eight games, Brazil is in fifth position in the CONMEBOL right now; behind Argentina by eight points.

A fan said Vinicius no longer merits the Ballon d'Or.

Brazil awaits the return of Neymar, as the national team could be in big trouble if they slip in any other international matches.