In a remarkable display during the Miami match, Vini Jr. nearly achieved a hat-trick against Scotland on Wednesday (24).
However, much of the focus shifted to the officiating at Hard Rock Stadium.
Was it a foul?
The pivotal moment occurred in the 22nd minute.
Vini Jr. successfully intercepted the ball from Hendry and scored against Gunn for a second time.
Referee César Ramos, who was overseeing the match, was summoned to the monitor to assess a potential foul committed by the Brazilian.
📸 Michael Reaves – 2026 Getty Images
Ramos ultimately sided with the VAR’s ruling.
Yet, the slow-motion footage ignited further controversy, revealing that Vini stepped in front of Hendry, who then made contact with the Brazilian.
Initially, Scotland’s players did not contest the foul.
However, the final verdict led to “widespread” discontent, with even Neymar approaching the fourth official to express his grievances.
📸 Michael Reaves – 2026 Getty Images
Social media also erupted in backlash.
Despite the controversy, Vini Jr. found the net again in the 48th minute, converting a cross from Bruno Guimarães—no VAR intervention this time.
With six goals scored by Brazil so far in the World Cup, Vini has been instrumental in each one of them.
His initial goal on Wednesday ensured he would be remembered in a special milestone.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.