13 June,2026 09:34 AM IST | Morristown (USA) | PTI
Brazil’s Vinicius Jr during a training session in New Jersey on Thursday. Pics/AFP
Brazil forward Raphinha has made a bold claim that teammate Vinicius Junior's experience will help him lead the Selecao squad to their long -awaited sixth title at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Brazil will kick off their World Cup campaign in a Group C clash against Morocco in New York on Saturday. The South American giants last won the global showpiece event 24 years ago in 2002 and have entered the semi-finals only once since then.
Barcelona forward Raphinha, 29, spoke highly of his teammate Vinicius, 25, despite the fact that he plays for arch-rivals Real Madrid. "Vini is young, but due to his experience and his achievements, he can resolve a World Cup match and bring the sixth championship; I include myself in that group," Raphinha told reports at their training camp.
With Neymar still being unfit heading into the global showpiece, Raphinha and Vinicius will be the difference-makers for Brazil.
Raphinha also said that Brazil are focusing on working on their defence. "We arrive very well prepared. We have to train the defensive part a lot. If we defend well, the possibility of winning is very big. This competition is short and treacherous. There is little time to organise. We are trying to adapt and arrive as best as possible," he remarked.
24
No. of years since Brazil won the World Cup
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