The difficult elimination against Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, in 2022, with an equalizing goal conceded in the final moments of extra time and defeat on penalties, was not forgotten by Vinícius Júnior. For the striker, the negative experience of four years ago serves as a lesson for the journey to the World Cup that starts this Saturday (13th), at 7pm (Brasília time), at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey. Related news: Without Neymar, Brazil finalizes its preparations for its World Cup debut on Saturday. Close to the historic mark in World Cups, Alisson sees criticism as natural. "I believe that the World Cup is different from other competitions. And the last one taught us that we have to be prepared until the last minute of the game. The small details define the course of the competition. We hope to do something different and that, in these small details, we can come out ahead", said Brazil's number 7, in a press conference this Friday (12), on the premiere stage. One of the main names in the group that went to the last World Cup, Vinícius Júnior occupied the space left by fellow striker Neymar - out of much of the current cycle due to injuries - to become the protagonist of Brazilian football. Decisive for Real Madrid (Spain)'s achievements in recent years, he has not yet managed to replicate his performance at Amarelinha. "This is the most special moment of my career. I'm at the physical and technical level I've always dreamed of. I prepared very well to reach this moment. [Carlo] Ancelotti [coach] gives me peace of mind and confidence to do what I did for Real here in the national team. We have eight games to change this story for our country", he stated. Confident, the number 7 rejected the idea that Brazil is below teams considered favorites, such as France, Spain and Argentina. In his words, "everything resets" when the ball rolls in the World Cup. "We arrive to be champions. We are at the level of the big teams. We have great players, we have been evolving in the last few months. And what matters is what will happen from tomorrow [Saturday]", said Vinícius Júnior, who does not expect an easy game against Morocco, semifinalists of the World Cup in Qatar. "Without a doubt, Morocco has improved a lot in recent years and football has changed a lot. Those who plan games well can compete well. They have an excellent team and great players, who are in the big teams. [Striker] Brahim Díaz plays with me, [full-back Achraf] Hakimi has just won the European Champions League again [with Paris Saint-Germain, from France]. It will be a great game, but Brazil is prepared", concluded the attacker.