Brazil must rethink after Argentina loss: Vinicius

In a night to forget at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign took a heavy blow as they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina. 

The loss not only left O Selecao trailing 10 points behind Lionel Messi’s La Albiceleste but also raised serious questions about Brazil’s readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to ESPN after the match, Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior didn’t hold back in his assessment.

“Today we arrive in the locker room and there’s not much to talk about,” said the 25-year-old. “Everyone was very bad, we played badly, and Argentina played an excellent match.”

Argentina’s dominant display sealed their place as the first CONMEBOL team to qualify for the World Cup, while Brazil slid to fourth place in the standings — a far cry from the aura of dominance historically associated with the five-time world champions.

Vinicius, who scored the match-winner against Colombia in the previous qualifier, was a shadow of himself on Tuesday. Despite completing the most duels in the game, the Ballon d’Or runner-up failed to register a shot or create a chance, and he looked visibly frustrated throughout.

But the Real Madrid star wasn’t just lamenting the past — he was looking toward the future.

“We have to rethink everything we’ve been doing, because the demands will come; the people want us to win,” he said. “The World Cup is only a year away, and I don’t want to lose again. We have to improve, keep our heads held high because we are Brazilians and we never give up.”

Coach Dorival Jr, who has been under increasing scrutiny, took full responsibility for the defeat.

“No one expected what we saw,” he admitted. “The responsibility is entirely mine. The Argentina team was superior in every way. I even apologize to the Brazilian fans, because the expectations were very different from what we presented.”

Yet, despite the storm clouds looming, Dorival remains confident in his ability to lead the team out of crisis.

“I have no doubt that we will find a way,” he said. “I never give up and I have always achieved important goals in the clubs I have managed.”

With only a year to go before the 2026 World Cup, Brazil must find answers — and fast. The talent is there, the history is there, and now, according to Vinicius Junior, the resolve must be there too.

Because for Brazil, failure is not an option.

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