The Real Madrid forward had struggled to produce his best for his country until Carlo Ancelotti's arrival as manager last year but always believed that he would be able to deliver for the Selecao.

Vinicius - who scored twice as Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 in their final World Cup group game on Wednesday (24.06.26) - said: "I think it's the result of hard work, dedication and confidence that I would improve. Because of my talent, because of how hard I work and because of everything I've done at Real Madrid up to now, I was sure that, when the time was right, I would perform better again with the Brazilian national team."

Vinicius also discussed the importance of Brazil having Ancelotti - whom he worked alongside at Real - as they bid to win the World Cup for a record-extending sixth time.

The forward said of the manager: "He is one of the best coaches in the world. He understands his players very well and adapts very well to them. He came here and understood how we should play. I think it's paid off. We're going to improve a lot during the competition. I think he's going to help the team grow throughout the tournament."

Brazil will now take on Japan in the last 32 of the World Cup next week and Vinicius is confident that the team will continue to "improve" as the competition goes on.

He said: "There's nothing better than returning to the place where I've always wanted to be, representing my family and representing a country as important as Brazil.

"We're chasing that title, and I think there's nothing better than that. I believe we'll continue to improve. I, too, will continue to grow and improve throughout the tournament."