Vinícius Júnior's Brazil draws 3-3 with Spain in 'One Skin' friendly against racism
MADRID (AP) — Vinícius Júnior had a quiet game as Brazil drew 3-3 with Spain on Tuesday in the “One Skin” friendly set up to raise awareness about the fight against racism after a series of insults aimed at the Real Madrid forward.
Brazil equalized with a penalty converted by Lucas Paquetá in stoppage time after Rodri's spot kick in 87th put Spain ahead.
Brazil had rallied from two goals down with an equalizer scored by Vinícius’ future Madrid teammate Endrick, the 17-year-old Palmeiras player who had made his scoring debut with Brazil just three days ago.
Spain was led by 16-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who helped set up all three goals by the hosts and received a standing ovation by the crowd at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when he was substituted near the end of the match.
The friendly came a day after Vinícius broke down in tears while talking about the continued racist insults that he is subjected to in Spain, saying he was losing his desire to keep playing but pledged to continue his fight against racism.
Vinícius was loudly applauded when he was substituted in the 71st. The 23-year-old Brazilian, the Seleçao’s captain on Tuesday, had gotten some of the loudest jeers when his name was introduced ahead of the match.
Brazilian players came onto the field wearing a black jacket launched by the Brazilian soccer federation ahead of the friendly accompanied with the slogan “One Skin, One Identity,” in support of Vinícius’ fight.
The friendly was set up by Spanish and Brazilian soccer officials amid the uproar that followed the racist insults aimed at Vinícius in a Spanish league game in Valencia 10 months ago. Many believed the incident would be a turning point against racism in soccer in Spain, but another wave of racist abuse targeting Vinícius came just days ago.
While most of the attention was on Vinícius, it was Yamal threatening the most with his speed and quick moves to get past Brazilian defenders.
Rodri put Spain ahead by converting a 13th-minute penalty kick after Yamal made a run through the right side and was brought down by João Gomes inside the area.
Vinícius had Brazil’s first shot on goal in the 17th, but it came out weak and prompted an easy save by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. He also couldn't get a shot off after a breakaway in one of his first touches in the second half.
Dani Olmo was set up by Yamal before he added to Spain's lead in the 36th after a couple of nifty moves inside the area, including a ball between the legs of Brazil defender Beraldo.
Rodrigo pulled Brazil closer in the 40th after a mistake by Simón, who gave the ball away and left the Madrid forward with a shot into an open net. Endrick equalized by picking up a loose ball inside the area for his second goal in four matches with Brazil's national team.
Endrick, who has already been sold to Madrid and will arrive in Spain at the end of the season, had scored Brazil's winning goal in its 1-0 victory in a friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The crowd jeered when Endrick gave the ball away to allow Paquetá to take the late penalty kick that gave Brazil the equalizer.
Vinícius came to defend Endrick from the bench after Spanish players loudly complained because of a hard foul by his future teammate late in the match.
Spain, preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, was coming off a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Friday in London.
Vinícius has been subjected to racist insults several times times since arriving in Spain six years ago. Insults came in recent weeks included some Atletico Madrid fans chanting “Vinícius chimpanzee” before a game, and when some Barcelona fans allegedly chanted “Die, Vinícius.”
He complained on Monday about the lack of punishment for perpetrators and asked for help from FIFA, UEFA and other soccer institutions in the fight against racism.
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