“It’s difficult to play with the referees always against us” - Vinicius Jr makes bold claim against CONMEBOL after Brazil win in Copa America
Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr hit out at the standard of refereeing in the Copa America following the side's 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday (June 28) in Nevada. The Real Madrid attacker claimed that the officials treated the South American side unfairly.
He said (via Madrid Zone on Twitter):
"It is very difficult to play in these stadiums with the referees always AGAINST us. The way CONMEBOL treats Brazil is very complicated."
Vinicius was at his brilliant best as Brazil beat Paraguay 4-1 to nearly guarantee qualification to the knockouts of the Copa America. Dorival Junior's men had an underwhelming start to their campaign, getting frustrated by underdogs Costa Rica in a goalless draw.
However, they bounced back in style, putting four past a hapless Paraguay side who were reduced to 10 men late on. The Real Madrid talisman bagged a brace in the first half, while Girona's Savio added another as the side went into the break 3-0 in front.
Paraguay defender Omar Alderete pulled one back in the second half to make it 3-1. However, West Ham United's Lucas Paqeuta, who missed a spot-kick in the first half, made amends when the Selecao were awarded another penalty in the second half. Late on, midfielder Andres Cubas received a straight red card for Paraguay.
The result leaves the Selecao in second in Group D, behind Colombia, who have picked up two wins from two games. The two sides face off in their last group fixture.
Paraguay head coach lavishes praise on Vinicius following 4-1 loss to Brazil
Paraguay head coach Daniel Garnero admitted that the side lost their concentration towards the end of the first half. The South American side conceded two goals late in the first half against Brazil.
After the game, Garnero was full of praise for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. (via press conference):
"In particular the first half, up to the 40 minutes, it was very even," Paraguay coach Daniel Garnero told reporters.
"I think we created some opportunities. Unfortunately, in the three minutes we got a bit distracted and they scored two goals that made a great difference in the result. And Vinicius is an elite player, no doubt about it."
After being locked goalless for the first 35 minutes, the 23-year-old opened the scoring. He was a constant threat down the left, finishing with two goals on three shots, two chances created and completed seven dribbles.
Brazil need a draw against leaders Colombia to secure qualification to the quarterfinal. They will also go through with a loss if Costa Rica do not overturn a six-goal difference in their final game against Paraguay. The Selecao's likely opponents in the last-eight include Uruguay, the USA or Panama.