Brazil cannot be considered World Cup favourites, claims Vinicius

Vinicius Junior has insisted Brazil cannot be considered among the favourites to win this year's World Cup.

Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, though the last of those successes came in 2002.

They reached the quarter-finals in 2022, but lost to Croatia on penalties.

Their qualification campaign for this World Cup was a poor one, but Carlo Ancelotti managed to get them over the line.

Vinicius, however, feels Brazil do not deserve to be considered among the elite teams.

"I believe that [the national team] isn't the favourite based on the results we've had," he said.

"But the weight of the jersey, the weight of the players we have here.

"We're going to do everything to put Brazil on top again. We don't want to be favourites, we want to put Brazil on top."

With Neymar not included in Brazil's latest squad, Vinicius, along with Barcelona star Raphinha, is likely to be tasked with leading the Selecao's line.

"I'm in the happiest moment," said Vinicius, who has hit form at Real Madrid.

"Everything I do at Madrid, I hope to do here with the national team. I don't pay much attention to what people say. I know my job and how dedicated I am to the World Cup.

"It's where all the players want to be. Regarding my form, I always try to be at my best, scoring goals and providing assists. I imagine everyone wants me to be one of the protagonists. I'm prepared for all the challenges in my career. I've already played in a World Cup, I don't want to lose again."

Vinicius also believes Ancelotti, who joined in May last year, has helped give the Selecao an edge.

"We just needed to click," Vinicius added.

"After Ancelotti arrived, we have a better idea of how to play. He takes a lot of pressure off us."

Brazil face France on Thursday, then take on Croatia next week.