Real Madrid star loses penalty role as Brazil coach hands it to Barcelona forward | OneFootball

Brazil national team coach Dorival Junior has clarified that Raphinha would take any potential penalties in the upcoming match against Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

While being careful not to upset Vinicius, Dorival’s comments were clear in stating the penalty order after an incident during the previous match against Venezuela, where Vinicius missed a penalty.

Despite having a great opportunity to take the penalty, Vinicius insisted on taking it, even though Raphinha had successfully scored two penalties in a previous match against Peru a month earlier when Vinicius was sidelined due to injury.

Raphinha will take penalties

Raphinha, the Barcelona forward, had also shown his composure by scoring a direct free kick in the match against Venezuela.

Dorival, in explaining the situation, highlighted that both players were prepared for a penalty shootout, but in this instance, Raphinha would be the designated penalty taker moving forward.

Vinicius Jr. will not take penalties for Brazil. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

“Raphinha and Vini were prepared for the penalty shoot-out. Vini ended up missing it. Tomorrow, if there is a penalty, Raphinha will be the one to take it,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Dorival went on to discuss the importance of gaining experience in such moments. He pointed out that only through facing challenges like this can players grow and mature in their careers.

“What I see is the following: you only mature with experience. You only mature by going through situations like this in your life and your career.”

While the technical staff is there to guide and support the players, it’s ultimately up to the athletes to navigate these situations and learn from them.

“It is the athlete who has to find the way individually. And collectively we, the technical committees, are there to help them,” he added.

For Brazil, the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is critical, and Dorival’s decision on penalty takers shows his faith in Raphinha’s ability, while also acknowledging the challenges that players face in high-pressure situations.