“He shoots from useless position”, “Will struggle to score” - Fans furious as 27-year-old is named in Brazil line-up vs Colombia at Copa America 2024
Fans are unimpressed as winger Raphinha has been named in Brazil's starting line-up in their final group-stage clash against Colombia at Copa America 2024. The match is set to take place on Tuesday, July 2, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
At the time of writing, Brazil are at the top of Group D with seven points. The other three teams in the group are Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay.
Fans flooded social media with posts, sharing their opinions on Raphinha's inclusion in the starting XI against Colombia. While some fans criticized Brazil national team head coach Dorival Júnior's decision, some believed that Sávio would have been a better choice for the position. Many were not confident about the Selecao's chances in the match. Here are some of the reactions on X:
One fan wrote:
"Raphinha should be out of this team. he shots from useless position and even can't dribble pass players from the wing . #RaphinhaOutFromSelecao"
Another added:
"How is Raphinha starting ahead of Savio? Brazil will struggle to score a goal."
"Why u go de put Raphinha instead of Savio🤦," chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Savio dropped? Awful coach."
Another wrote:
"Dorival is so stubborn."
"Should’ve not removed Sávio," posted another.
One user wrote:
"Raphinha again 🤡"
While another added:
"Brazil actually started Raphinha over Savinho. I’ve been saying it for a long time, there is main character syndrome and gang leaders in the Brazil changing room."
The Selecao have won the Copa America nine times, 2019 being the last time. They have been runners-up in the tournament 11 times while ending up in third place seven times.
Vinicius Jr. criticizes Copa America 2024 organizers after Brazil's last group-stage win
Vinicius Jr. criticized the Copa America 2024 organizers after Brazil's 4-1 win against Paraguay on Friday (June 28). The 23-year-old forward, who netted a brace in the clash, told reporters (via The Telegraph Online):
"The Copa America is always difficult because of the pitches, because of the referees - who always go against us - and because the way CONMEBOL treats people."
"It's always difficult but we have to stay strong, we can only talk by winning. When we talk, CONMEBOL says we talk too much," added the Real Madrid star.
Vinicius Jr., who made his senior debut for the Selecao in 2019, has scored five goals and provided five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for his nation.