Uruguay forward Luis Suarez has criticized Brazil’s Andreas Pereira for his comments before their quarter-final match, which ended in a win for Uruguay, Soccernet.football reports.
After their thrilling penalty shootout victory over Brazil, former Barcelona and Liverpool striker Suarez has responded to Pereira’s remarks.
Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties, advancing to the Copa America 2024 semi-finals.
The match was highly anticipated due to the rivalry between the teams. Adding to the excitement were comments made by Fulham star Andreas Pereira, which angered the Uruguayan team.
“Our midfield is very good. They all play in the Premier League. If you compare name by name, it’s a team they would dream of having in Uruguay,” Pereira stated before the game.
Suarez, now playing for Inter Miami, did not hesitate to respond after his side sent Brazil out of the Copa.
“To talk about Uruguay, sometimes you have to have a little more respect, know the history that Uruguay has. Before saying that there are players who want to be in the Brazilian national team. I’ll tell you that the one who said that comment was a substitute for Giorgian De Arrascaeta in Flamengo, the best player in Brazilian soccer,” Suarez said as per Bolavip.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who plays for Flamengo, also commented on the situation.
“I think that provocation is part of soccer, we are used to living in this environment. As I have already said, I know Andreas, he is a boy with a great heart, maybe he was unhappy in some words. I sincerely don’t think he did it for pleasure,” De Arrascaeta remarked.
Uruguay will play Colombia in the Copa America semi-final, with the winner facing either Argentina or Canada in the final.