Uruguay’s veteran striker Luis Suarez responded to Brazil’s midfielder Andreas Pereira after Uruguay eliminated Brazil from Copa America 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in the United States on Saturday.
The match ended 0-0 in normal time and was decided by penalties, where Uruguay emerged victorious as Brazil’s Eder Militao and Douglas Luiz failed to convert their shots in the shootout.
Before the match, Pereira had commented that having a team like Brazil is Uruguay’s dream.
“The Uruguayan national team is very good, but if you take it name by name, we have a team that they dream of having,” Pereira had said.
Suarez responded to Pereira’s comments after the match, emphasizing Uruguay’s strong squad and history.
“We have the best midfielders in the world, top-level players,” Suarez said. “To talk about Uruguay, you have to have a little more respect, know the history of Uruguay.
“Before I say which players want to be on the Brazilian national team, I have to say that the person who made that comment was [Giorgian] De Arrascaeta’s reserve [at Flamengo], who is the best player in Brazilian football. So imagine what it’s like for us to hear that.”
Pereira clarified his statement after the match, saying he did not mean any disrespect towards Suarez or the Uruguayan team.
“I simply said that I preferred it and I think our players are better, so if they used that to their advantage, they can do whatever they want,” Pereira said. “But at no time did I show any disrespect towards Uruguay.”
Uruguay will now face Colombia in the semi-final of Copa America 2024.