The Real Madrid superstar forward showed everyone just what he is capable of doing in a Brazil national team shirt in a friendly on Sunday evening
With the club season now not just over for Real Madrid but for everybody, attention is now fully on this summer's FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Ahead of the tournament, most nations will play two warm up friendlies as they begin their final preparation. This gives managers a chance to experiment with players and to test out ideas in inconsequential games.
On Sunday evening, the Brazil national team, managed by two time former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti hosted Panama in the first of two friendlies for the record World Champions.
For this game, Vinicius was named in the starting XI, and he started off the left hand side. Within the first minute, he fired in a sublime, beautifully struck shot from over 20 yards out, having been picked out by club legend Casemiro.
With six minutes of the first half remaining, Vinicius returned the favour, with his cross finding Casemiro just a few yards out to head home, as Brazil retook the lead. There was a VAR check - despite the game just being a friendly - but the goal stood.
At the break, Vinicius was substituted as Ancelotti looked to experiment and give some players who would not normally start an opportunity, as was his former Real Madrid team mate.
During his 45 minutes on the pitch, the forward scored, assisted, had three shots, created two chances, one big chances, and completed three successful dribbles. Perhaps we can look at the opponent and still be cautious, but considering how things have not really clicked for him in a national team shirt - this was just his eighth goal in 48 appearances - this was very much needed and should do his confidence good.
Meanwhile, Endrick, who will be returning to the club from Lyon ahead of next season, came on as a half time sub. Unfortunately, he missed two presentable chances to score and add to his tally for Brazil, but he is at least getting into the right positions and showing excellent movement. Former Real Madrid full back, Danilo, also came on at the interval.
In their final warm up game before the World Cup begins, Brazil will face Egypt this weekend, with kick off 00:00 CET on the 7th, essentially Saturday night. Good preparation to play a North African side, with their opening game against Morocco. Stay tuned for more updates here at Roundtable.
