Three-time U-17 world champions Brazil arrived in the city yesterday ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup next month and had their first practice session at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri. The junior Seleccao's wonder kid Vinicius Junior was absent due to his league commitments in Brazil and will join the team in Mumbai on Saturday. The Flamengo sensation Vinicius, 17, who will officially sign the dotted line for La Liga champions Real Madrid in July next year, is being heralded as the next big superstar from the South American nation. His teammates believe Vinicius is a role model for them. "Vinicius is a great player and has good skills. Thank God he got the opportunity to play for Real. He is an example to all of us. We are grateful to have him in our side. One day, we may get to play for the same club," Brazil defender Matheus Stockl said yesterday after the team's practice session.

Brazil's wonder kid Vinicius Jr