Vinicius Junior netted a brace, securing Brazil their first three-point win of Copa America 2024.

Saturday’s clash at Allegiant Stadium (all times AEST) was action-packed, featuring five goals, two penalties, and a red card.

Following a goalless start to the tournament in the United States, Dorival Junior’s squad delivered an impressive performance in their second Group D match, defeating Paraguay 4-1.

Lucas Paqueta was given the first significant opportunity of the match to put Brazil ahead with a penalty kick.

A handball by a Paraguayan defender in the box resulted in the 31st-minute penalty, but Paqueta missed the target entirely in Las Vegas.

This miss made Paqueta the first Brazilian player to miss the target from the penalty spot since 1975.

However, he quickly redeemed himself four minutes later by assisting Junior, who scored the opening goal.

Savio added Brazil’s second goal less than 10 minutes later, and Junior completed his brace just before halftime.

Paraguay briefly revived their hopes after the break when Omar Alderete scored with a 20-yard strike past goalkeeper Alisson, making it 3-1.

However, their comeback was short-lived.

Another handball in the box gave Paqueta a chance for redemption. Despite fans urging that Junior take the penalty to complete his hat-trick, Paqueta stepped up and scored, extending the lead to 4-1.

Junior attempted to secure his hat-trick but couldn’t achieve his first three-goal performance for the national team, leaving his tally at four goals in 31 appearances.

If Paraguay’s coach, Daniel Garnero, thought the situation couldn’t worsen for his team in Nevada, he was mistaken.

Midfielder Andres Cubas received a straight red card and was sent off in the 81st minute, ensuring he would miss their final match.

Despite his teammates’ pleas to overturn the decision or consult VAR, the challenge on Brazilian substitute Douglas Luiz led to Cubas’s dismissal.

Shortly after being reduced to 10 men, Paraguay had a goal disallowed, with a VAR review confirming the on-field offside call.

Brazil’s 4-1 victory eliminated their winless rivals from Copa America at the group stage, putting Brazil in a strong position to secure a quarter-final spot.

Junior’s team is now second in Group D, two points behind first-place Colombia and three points ahead of Costa Rica. A win or draw against Colombia in their next match will guarantee their advancement to the last eight.