Romario questions Vinicius before World Cup

Legendary striker Romario said Friday that Vinicius Junior should not be expected to orchestrate a FIFA World Cup triumph this summer, saying the forward has underwhelmed at international level, reported Xinhua.

Despite boasting a prolific scoring record for Real Madrid, Vinicius has managed only eight goals in 47 appearances for his country.

"In football, we speak through numbers," Romario told Brazilian outlet Extra. "At Real Madrid, he's a leading figure. But when he puts on the national team shirt, he's a different Vini Jr. He's about to reach 50 matches and doesn't even have 10 goals. So you can't expect too much."

Vinicius' importance for Brazil has been heightened by the absence of Chelsea winger Estevao, who is set to miss the World Cup due to a hamstring tear, and ongoing fitness concerns facing Neymar.

Brazil's all-time top scorer hasn't played for the Selecao since October 2023 and is fighting to prove his fitness before the tournament.

"Hopefully he can turn around what's been happening so far and, when he puts on the yellow shirt, that damn thing won't weigh so heavily on him," Romario said.

"Because we need him. But I don't see him as a guy who's going to decide anything. There isn't a player where I say: 'Damn, this guy is really great.'"

Brazil will open its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 followed by clashes against Haiti and Scotland.