Neymar backs Brazil teammates after Copa America exit
Brazil and Barcelona forward Neymar sent a cordial message to his Copa America compatriots. The Selecao were controversially eliminated from the Copa America with a 1-0 Group B defeat to Peru.
Neymar backs Brazil teammates after Copa America exit
Peru’s Raul Ruidiaz appeared to swat a ball crossed into the box past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson and into the goal. Brazil players protested hard, but after consulting with the fourth official long, referee Andres Cunha allowed the goal.
Peru’s Andy Polo broke down the right wing and launched the cross into Ruidiaz. TV replays appeared to show him using his arm to push the ball past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson.
Brazil remonstrated furiously with the official. But only after two minutes deliberation with his assistant referee he allowed the goal to stand.
Neymar told the Copa America players in his message: “No one knows what we have suffered through to be there and defend the Selecao. To wear the national team shirt is an honor and you have all done that with love. Now a whole lot of people are going to start talking s—, they can go to hell. Football is like this. I am Brazilian and I will go to the end with you.”
After the match, former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves also voiced his displeasure with the referee’s decision.
“As a very competitive person, I’m living something unacceptable to me, I don’t accept this kind of situation,” the 33-year-old said. “We are giving 100 percent, but is not being enough to help the team to leave this delicate moment. We will try to give 200 percent next time.”
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson said that referee errors are a part of football.
“The error of the referee is part of the game, we are inherent in it,” he said after the match. “By the time I saw the play I ran straight to the referee, I complained, Miranda too, all players came to complain. He took five, 10 minutes, and I thought he would stop the play, but he ended up giving the goal.”
