Vinicius’ goal was a moment of breathtaking beauty we have come to expect from the outstanding talent.
Will he kick on and write his name into Brazilian folklore?
“The expectation was for him, by now, to have become the Selecao’s leading figure,” said Brazilian football expert Marcus Alves.
“Yet, four years on from a penalty shootout exit against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, doubts remain around him.”
However, there can be no doubting the quality of his goal here – his 10th for Brazil, with three of those coming on US soil.
“This is where Vinicius Jr comes into his own,” former England goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC One.
“He was quiet in the game, of course he was, but you can’t criticise players like this on the big stage.
“He cuts in, smashes it past Bono. What a moment.”
Vinicius talked on Friday about how this was “the most important time in my life and career”.
“I feel great freedom and sincere trust from Ancelotti. He is sure I can do for the national team what I do for Real Madrid,” he added.
“I want to try to write the history of the country and the national team. We must do everything to win.”
Brazil came up short against Morocco.
Failure at this tournament, after a 24-year title drought, would lead to serious questions about how the most successful team in World Cup history moves forward.