Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid striker, took the blame for the elimination of the Brazilian national team from the Copa América 2024 in the Quarterfinals on Tuesday, admitting that he should not have accumulated the two yellow cards that prevented him from playing the match with Uruguay.
Vinicius, considered one of the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or and a key figure for Brazil‘s tournament aspirations, expressed frustration at not being able to be present for the decider. He took responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that he did not live up to expectations.
Brazil’s elimination from the 2024 Copa America has generated great disappointment among Brazilian fans. The team, with the likes of Vinicius, Raphinha and Endrick, was expected to reach the final stages of the tournament. However, the team’s irregular performance in general caused an unexpected outcome.
Vinicius’ message after Brazil’s elimination from Copa America
“End of the Copa America and time to reflect, to know how to deal with defeat. The feeling of frustration overwhelms us again and again on penalties,” said the attacker after Uruguay, in the penalty shootout and after a goalless draw, eliminated Brazil from the tournament played in the United States.
Vinicius’ message. Instagram.
Vinícius admitted that he failed to receive two avoidable yellow cards that were avoidable and that prevented him from reinforcing the Verdeamarela in the important game against the Charrúas. “Again, I attended the elimination on the outside side, but, this time, because of me. I apologize for that. I know how to hear criticism and the harshest criticism, believe it, comes from inside the house.”
The 24-year-old striker added that his career in the Brazilian national team is only beginning and that along with his teammates will still have the opportunity to relocate the Canarinha “in the place it deserves”. “We will return to the top,” he concluded.
