"We deserved the win and I deserved this goal"

Vinicius, scorer of the winning goal against Colombia in the South American qualifiers, said he was "relieved" and said Brazil deserved the three points at the Mane Garrincha stadium because of "everything the team has been working for".

"Very happy for the game we played. We deserved this victory and I deserved this goal for everything we've been working for," said the Real Madrid winger.

He said he felt "happy" and at the same time "a little relieved" after scoring the winning goal in the 99th minute, and hopes that the victory represents a "turning of the page" for a Canarinha side who have yet to dazzle in their play.

The 7 admitted that he is aware that he owes a lot to the national team and to all his teammates for everything they do for him every day. "Playing with the national team is something you can't explain. Every time I come here it's as if it were the first time," he said.

Vinicius also acknowledged that his teammates had to take him off the pitch so that he wouldn't see a yellow card and miss the next game against Argentina, on the 25th, in Buenos Aires.

"Yes, he was warned, it's always complicated in knockout matches, it's only two cards. You make a foul and you're already suspended, and I couldn't miss the next game," he said.

Brazil beat Colombia 2-1 on Thursday, with goals from Vinicius and Raphinha from the penalty spot rendering Luis Diaz's goal on the stroke of half-time pointless.

With this result, the 'Canarinha' provisionally climb to second place with 21 points, while Colombia remain on 19, in sixth place, the last one that gives direct access to the 2026 World Cup.