Vinicius Jr will not be available in Brazil’s crucial quarter-final clash against fancied Uruguay to be held on next Saturday. The reason behind his suspension was that he received his second yellow card in the 1-1 draw against Columbia on Wednesday morning (India time). Rafinha drew first blood for Brazil in the 12th minute while Daniel Munoz levelled the scoreline in the 47th minute. Brazil was deprived of a spot-kick according to Brazilian media as Vinicius Jr was tripped off inside the penalty box. But Argentine VAR denied and asked the referee to continue the play. Brazilian fans made harsh criticism of CONMEBOL on the social media. 

The striker was punished seven minutes into the first half for hitting James Rodríguez with his arm. Vinicius received his first yellow card in the last round, in the victory against Paraguay.

“It is very difficult to replace him because it is Vini. Being without him is very difficult, but all 26 athletes who came here are prepared. It does not matter who will enter the game. Everybody will have to deliver their best for the country,” revealed Endrick while speaking to Sport TV.

Brazil which already ensured a berth in the quarter-final will face Uruguay next Saturday in Nevada. 

Significantly, the team’s defender Marquinhos admitted Brazil need to improve more, especially before facing Uruguay in the quarter-final. The defender pointed out the team's difficulty in jumping lines towards the attack and cited the lack of control of the game at certain times. 

“I think we lacked more control of the game. We were not able to keep the ball for long. At times, we did, but we made very little progress in the opponent's half.” 

He continued, “We worked the ball a lot in our half, having difficulty jumping those lines. I think that is what was missing. I think we have a lot to improve, we are trying to speed up this process,” said Marquinhos, while speaking to TV Globo.