Brazil Loses 2-1 to France in Friendly, Vinicius Struggles

Brazil's national soccer team fell to a 2-1 defeat against France in a friendly match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday, highlighting ongoing challenges for key forward Vinicius Junior as the five-time World Cup champions prepare for the 2026 tournament.

The loss served as a stern test for coach Carlo Ancelotti's squad ahead of their Group C opener against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. France, led by Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, struck first and sealed the victory with Ekitike's goal in the second half, despite a brief equalizer from Brazil defender Bremer, assisted by substitute Luiz Henrique. The match drew one of the largest crowds in the stadium's history, underscoring the global interest in both teams as favorites for the upcoming World Cup.

Vinicius Junior, the 25-year-old Real Madrid star wearing Brazil's No. 10 shirt in the absence of Neymar, started on the right flank alongside Gabriel Martinelli in Ancelotti's four-forward system. He played nearly the full 99 minutes but struggled to influence the game, recording just two shots, missing a big chance in stoppage time, and losing possession 18 times. His performance...