Vinicius Jr played the full game and Endrick played 45 minutes in Brazil’s comeback victory over Japan to advance to the round of 16 on Monday evening.
Japan went ahead early in the first half when Danilo’s mistake resulted in a shocking lead for the underdogs.
Brazil, however, looked much better in the second half, with Casemiro scoring the first goal and substitute Gabriel Martinelli completing the comeback in stoppage time.
Vinicius Jr had a decent game, and tried his best to make things happen on
the offensive end. He also had a few brilliant recoveries defensively when Brazil really needed them.
He was not able to get on the score sheet, but he was close to getting on it in emphatic fashion when he dribbled past multiple Japanese players, only to see his outside-of-the-boot shot hit the post.
Endrick was, surprisingly, Carlo Ancelotti’s first substitution, and caused a lot of chaos and havoc in Japan’s box. Brazil were the better side in the second half, and Endrick’s energy was badly needed.
Brazil will now face either Côte d’Ivoire or Norway in the next round.
