“Someone like Araujo will eat him”, “Let the kid play” - Fans spark debate on whether Brazil star should start Copa America quarter-final vs Uruguay

Vinicius Jr will miss Brazil’s Copa America 2024 quarter-final with Uruguay on Saturday (July 6) in Florida due to suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday (July 3). That has prompted fans on social media to debate whether teenage sensation Endrick should start against La Celeste.

Brazil’s hopes of lifting their 10th Copa America title took a major hit as Vinicius was booked for a rough challenge in the seventh minute of the Colombia game. He was also cautioned in the Selecao’s 4-1 thumping of Paraguay last week, where he starred with two goals.

As a result, the Real Madrid forward will miss the quarter-final against Uruguay, who are one of the contenders to lift the title, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida this weekend.

Vinicius’ suspension has sparked a debate online over whether his new Real Madrid teammate Endrick should start against Uruguay, with some arguing for Endrick to be trusted to lead the line.

“What does Endrick need to do to start? Nobody has score more goals than him in the past few matches for Brazil. Dorival Júnior’s excuse of being scared of ruining him is ridiculous. Lamine Yamal & Arda Guler are both starters & stars for their national team. LET THE KID PLAY!” a user tweeted.

“Rodrygo on left and Endrick as 9, no other go,” another wrote.

“This is why we need to get away from Brazilian managers. They’re too stubborn!” another commented.

Some were sceptical over the 17-year-old starting and called for him to be used as a substitute.

“or at least, AT LEAST sub him in early tf you want him to do in 5 minutes??” a user commented.

“He’s not good enough to be impactful for 90mins currently. Not something people want to hear because they think it means he’s a bad player when in reality he’s got great potential but his overall game is still too raw,” a fan commented.

“even if he doesn’t start, atleast sub him in the 60th, dorival brings him in around the 80-85th,” another wrote.

Meanwhile, some called for Endryk to not play at all, citing his 'young' age.

“Still too young. Very different playing friendlies in Europe vs playing against the most physical defenders in the world. Physically, he is not there. Someone like Araujo will eat him,” a user wrote.

“Do you trust him to start against Uruguay,” another questioned.

“If he doesn't perform well you guys will treat him the same way as Vini,” a fan wrote.

Endrick has scored three goals in eight games for Brazil, with all coming in friendlies. The 17-year-old has scored against England, Spain and Mexico. He has clocked 35 minutes over three appearances at the ongoing 2024 Copa America but is yet to make a goal contribution.

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Brazil finish second in their 2024 Copa America group, to face Uruguay next

Brazil vs Colombia - CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024

Brazil take on Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals after failing to beat Colombia in their final group game on Tuesday. As a result, the Selecao finished second in Group D, behind Los Cafateros, who face Panama.

Dorival Junior's men beat Paraguay (4-1) and drew with Costa Rica (0-0) and Colombia (1-1) in their three group games, finishing with five points. Meanwhile, Uruguay were the runaway leaders in Group C, winning all three games. Marcelo Bielsa’s men are the top-scorers of the tournament with nine goals and have conceded just once.

With Vinicius set to miss out through suspension, Brazil will have their work cut out against a formidable opponent if they are to make the semi-finals and beyond.