Copa America failure is my fault — Brazil boss defends Vinicius Junior, others

Copa America failure is my fault — Brazil boss defends Vinicius Junior, others

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 14:45 - 07.07.2024

Brazil head coach Dorival Junior said he takes "full responsibility" for his team's disappointing Copa América quarterfinal exit to 10-man Uruguay.

Brazil were touted as one of the favourites to win the competition alongside Argentina but the Samba Boys were underwhelming in the group stages, and have suffered a deserved exit.

They lost 4-2 to Uruguay on penalties and head coach Dorival Junior has refused to hide behind his players' poor performances.

Dorival defends Brazil stars after Copa America exit

"This type of work requires a great amount of patience," said Dorival, who took charge in January, after the defeat.

Brazil head coach Dorival Junior

"I do have to acknowledge that these weren't the expected results, and I take full responsibility for them, but I do think as well that this team has great room to grow and evolve and improve."

Brazil failed to capitalize on a one-man advantage after Uruguay's Nahitan Nández was sent off in the 74th minute, with the match featuring a tournament-high 41 fouls.

The intense encounter went to penalties, where Eder Militao and Douglas Luiz missed their shots for Brazil, while Alisson Becker saved Jose Maria Gimenez's attempt.

However, Manuel Ugarte scored the decisive penalty to send Uruguay to the semifinals and Brazil packing.

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