SOCCER: Paqueta welcomes Neymar progress and praises Vinicius bond after Brazil win

Lucas Paquetá said Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Haiti marked an important step in the team’s development at the World Cup, while also expressing excitement over Neymar’s return to full training and emphasizing his long-standing connection with Vinícius Jr.

Lucas Paquetá was one of Brazil’s standout performers in the match. He delivered a key assist to his childhood friend Vinícius and played a decisive role in regaining possession during the buildup to one of Matheus Cunha’s goals. The performance helped Brazil national football team secure a convincing win under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“I think we played a good match in line with our expectations of improving our technical quality and our build-up play. We secured a solid victory,” Paquetá said during a press conference in New Jersey.

“It’s a match that gives us the confidence to keep improving as the tournament progresses.”

Brazil also received a boost with Neymar Jr. taking part in his first full training session with the squad on Sunday. Paquetá said the star forward remains a vital presence for the national team.

“We’re all delighted he’s back in training and back on the pitch with the rest of us,” he said.

“He’s an absolutely vital player for our national team. He has a wonderful history here and can still help us a great deal. He’s very important, just like every other player in the squad.

“We’re happy for him, happy he’s back, and we hope he’ll be back on the pitch as soon as possible to help us out.”

Paquetá also praised his former Flamengo teammate Vinícius Jr., highlighting their long-standing friendship that dates back to their academy days.

“We’ve had a wonderful friendship for a very long time,” he said. “I first saw Vini when he was still very young. We’ve had this bond since our days at Flamengo.

“He’s a guy I admire greatly. I have enormous respect for him. Without a doubt, being here with him and experiencing another World Cup is incredibly special for us.”

The result strengthens Brazil’s momentum as they continue their campaign, with growing optimism surrounding squad chemistry and the potential impact of Neymar’s return to full fitness. -Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters