“Robbed Vinicius”, “In his peak Ronaldo era” - Fans slam 26-year-old Brazil star for controversial decision in 4-1 win at Copa America 2024

Fans compared Lucas Paqueta with 'peak Ronaldo' as he took two penalties in Brazil's 4-1 Copa America win against Paraguay on Friday (June 28) and denied Vinicius a hattrick.

The Canary Yellow outfit faced severe criticism after their goalless draw with Costa Rica. However, talisman Vinicius stepped up and scored a brace as his side registered their first win in this year's competition..

The Real Madrid forward could've completed his hatt-ttick if he had scored from the spot in Brazil's two penalty opportunities. However, attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, 26, took both for Dorival Junior's side and converted one.

That has caused much dissatisfaction among the Selecao fans who expected the 23-year-old to complete his hat-trick by taking one of the penalties. Some of their reactions are as follows.

"Shoulda had 4 but paqueta wanted to dance so bad he took that away from him," commented one user on X.

"Vini could've easily get a quadruple today. In what universe do place Paqueta ahead of Vinicius and Rodrygo as your main penalty taker ? That Brazil's coach is sick man," agreed another fan.

"Lucas Paqueta I hope you know you have a new hater," opined nother user.

Many others slammed Lucas Paqueta for allegedly ruining Vinicius' chances of getting a hat-trick.

"You have Vinicius and Rodrygo on the pitch and it's f*cking LUCAS PAQUETA taking the pen, what is wrong with this team???" wrote a fan.

"Yeah Lucas Paquetá needs investigation," the slams were relentless.

"Paqueta in his peak Ronaldo era, never giving a Penalty to somebody who's on a Hattrick," opined another fan.

Others praised the Brazillian winger for his efforts and joked about the penalty fiasco without slamming anyone.

"bet365 robbed vini of a hat trick lmao. prick," joked a fan.

"Paqueta robbed us of 4 goals but we take this. BALLON DE ORO," raved another fan.

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Vinicius named Ronaldo Nazario as one of his idols

Previews - Final Draw For The 2014 FIFA World Cup (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Vinicius Junior named the two most iconic Ronaldos as his idols in an interview for UEFA. The 23-year-old picked legends from different eras and formed an exclusive cohort of people he has idolised over the years

"There's Pele, Kobe [Bryant], Ronaldo [Nazario], [Michael] Jordan, Cristiano [Ronaldo]. I took a bit from every generation of our favorite sports. Pele is our king," commented the 23-year-old.

Furthermore, he elaborated on how Nazario has helped shape his game, especially while confronting the goalkeeper in one-on-ones inside the penalty box.

He also revealed that Ronaldo pings him up and comes up with valuable advice from time to time.

"Ronaldo was a star for Brazil and played for Real Madrid as well. He teaches me a great deal and calls me whenever he can give me some tips. Ever since he told me his best ability was in one on ones with the keeper, I started to think about it and improved a lot after the conversation I had with him. Now everytime I have one-on-one, I'm as calm as I can be," commented the Real Madrid forward.

Vinicius Junior was one of the talismanic players for Real Madrid in their double-winning 2023-24 season.

The Brazillian netted 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games for Los Blancos. His amazing runs along the left flank and immaculate ability to glide through defenders with the ball at his feet make him one of the most feared strikers in the world.

The Brazillian will look to secure the Copa America 2024 crown for the Canary Yellow to cap off a fine season.