The World Cup semi-finals are set. One team that did not make it though are Brazil, despite being heavy favourites going into the tournament and the quarter-finals against Croatia as well. With the Selecao’s elimination from the competition, three Real Madrid players in Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao were knocked out as well.
It goes without saying that all of them would have been disappointed with how the tournament ended up for them, as they failed to guide Brazil to their 6th World Cup.
One of the vital points in the match was Tite’s decision to substitute off Vinicius in the 64th minute and bring on his Real Madrid teammate, Rodrygo.
To be fair, Vinicius did not have a great game until that point and Josip Juranovic had been largely successful in keeping him quiet down the left flank. Rodrygo ended up having much more success against the Croatian defence but the night ended in tears for the youngster, as he would go onto miss a vital spot kick as Brazil were knocked out on penalties.
Real Madrid superstar was unhappy with Brazil coach’s decision
As reported by Relevo, Vinicius did not like the decision to take him off at all, but he was not surprised either.
At the end of the day, one has to question Tite’s decision to take someone like Vinicius off. Yes, he was not having the best of days, but the Brazilian winger has shown time after time that he has the ability to pop up when his team needs him the most.
His Champions League winner against Liverpool is a prime example of that. In fact, the Brazilian superstar comes alive as the game wears on and a lot of his goals and assists come later on in matches, when up against tired legs.
Thus, if Vinicius had remained on the pitch, perhaps he could have made a difference on the day. We will never know though, as Brazil’s search for their sixth world title continues on.