Throughout March’s FIFA break, the Argentina vs. Brazil match for the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers turned probably the most anticipated matchups, and it actually lived as much as the hype. After a historic 4-1 victory, Argentina star midfielder Rodrigo De Paul delivered a humble message to Brazil’s Raphinha.
Earlier than kickoff, the sport gained vital controversy when a number of Brazilian gamers made daring statements predicting a victory over Argentina. Probably the most notable feedback got here from Raphinha, who, in an interview with Romário TV, stated: “We’re going to provide Argentina a beating, little question.”
The comment didn’t sit properly with Argentina, particularly after the incident in November 2023, when Brazilian police repressed Argentina followers. Following the dominant 4-1 victory, De Paul was requested about Raphinha’s assertion and responded with a grounded message to the Brazilian star.
“On the sphere, we did what we needed to do. We’ve by no means disrespected anybody, however in all these years, we’ve been disrespected fairly a bit. Nobody helped us; we achieved all the pieces on our personal, and we proceed to show it. It’s been 5 or 6 years that we’ve been one of the best crew, so respect us,” the midfielder stated in a post-match interview.
De Paul then made it clear that Argentina would proceed to concentrate on performing properly, regardless of having already secured their World Cup qualification: “Nonetheless, there are qualification matches left, however we’re already certified. Nonetheless, as I stated earlier than, friendlies, qualifiers, finals, we play all the pieces the identical means. The World Cup continues to be far off, so we have to concentrate on the membership and the upcoming matches in June.”
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De Paul has been considered one of Argentina’s standout performers in opposition to Brazil, regardless of not scoring or offering an help. He topped the stats with 68 correct passes out of 76, 33 passes within the opponent’s half, 7 within the remaining third, and was second in duels gained (6/9), taking part in a vital position within the midfield in the course of the heated encounter.
Alvarez and Paredes echoed De Paul’s assertion
Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes additionally shone within the match in opposition to Brazil and shared their ideas on the fiery pre-match feedback. When requested if Raphinha’s remarks had been used as motivation, the Atletico Madrid striker gave a direct response:
“Sure, however past that, it’s a traditional, and we might have performed it the identical means. That added an additional spice to the match, which I believe was pointless, however we did an awesome job, and with humility, we gave them a lesson,” Alvarez stated after the sport.
Leandro Paredes, who had a heated trade with Rodrygo in the course of the match, additionally echoed De Paul and Alvarez. The midfielder revealed that the feedback reached them by the crew’s WhatsApp group and made his stance clear:
“Lots. We’re used to all the time talking on the sphere. It occurred to us within the World Cup, it occurred within the qualifiers, and it occurred once more right now. We maintain doing the identical factor, we maintain doing our half, and right now we confirmed that once more. There’s no want to speak beforehand, no have to say these sorts of issues, particularly when you may’t again it up on the sphere.”
