Vinícius Júnior: "We executed the coach's game plan perfectly"

In a commanding 6-2 victory against Panama on Sunday, Vinícius Júnior not only scored the opening goal but also played a crucial part in Brazil's offensive strategy. The match, held at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, served as an important step in the team's preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Vinícius, who was substituted at halftime, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "I believe it was a good game for our preparation. There were two teams, one in the first half and another in the second half, but with the same objective: to arrive as well prepared as possible for the World Cup." He emphasized that both lineups effectively executed the tactics laid out by the coach.

The atmosphere during the match was electric, with over 70,000 fans cheering on the Brazilian squad. Reflecting on the experience, Vinícius remarked, "Winning at home, at the Maracanã, being able to come back here after such a long time, is always very special."

This friendly match was Brazil's final appearance on home soil before heading to the United States, where they will face Egypt on June 6, followed by their World Cup group stage matches. Brazil's impressive scoring came from Vinícius Júnior, Casemiro, Rayan, Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago, and Danilo Santos, while Panama's goals came from an own goal by Matheus Cunha and Carlos Harvey.

The Brazilian team is set to meet Egypt in Cleveland on June 6 at 7 p.m. (Brasília time) before commencing their World Cup journey against Morocco on June 13 in Group C at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey.