Vinícius gives Ancelotti a birthday present, giving Brazil a World Cup qualification certificate.

A solitary goal from Vinícius against Paraguay secured Brazil's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the best gift for Carlo Anceotti , who was celebrating his birthday. The Real Madrid player's goal relieved a team still far from its best in the sixteenth round of the South American qualifiers.

After the disappointing goalless draw in Ecuador, Ancelotti went all out in his debut in front of the Brazilian fans . He brought on four forwards in one go: Cunha, Vinícius, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raphinha.

In São Paulo, the story was different, but first, they had to work hard to break the Paraguayan cobweb, chip away at the stones, and get a few scares. They pressed very high and turned the start into a handball match, with all of Paraguay locked in at the back and Brazil moving the ball from one wing to the other.

In the first ten minutes, they racked up a dangerous free kick, a weak shot from Raphinha, a corner, and a low, poisoned pass from Cunha that Vinícius narrowly missed . That same connection would bear fruit later on.

The Brazilian national team finally found the long-awaited goal in the 44th minute, thanks to a run by Cunha that Vinícius finished off by leaping past the defenders . This was a relief for the Real Madrid winger, who had been criticized for his lackluster final stretch of the season.

In the second half, Brazil repeated the same pattern. They had a lot of momentum at the start, with moments of hesitation and sporadic bursts . They could have increased their lead through Bruno Guimarães, who beat 'Gatito' with a lofted shot, but Cáceres saved on the goal line.

The former Real Madrid manager unleashed his Italian side in the final minutes . He forgot about the front four and brought on Gerson to bring more balance to the midfield.

He thus secured three points worth a World Cup final. It will be his first as coach for 'Carletto,' who finally celebrated his 66th birthday today the way he wanted, with a victory.