Throughout March’s FIFA break, the Argentina vs. Brazil match for the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers grew to become one of the anticipated matchups, and it definitely 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 important controversy when a number of Brazilian gamers made daring statements predicting a victory over Argentina. One of the crucial notable feedback got here from Raphinha, who, in an interview with Romário TV, stated: “We’re going to present Argentina a beating, little doubt.”
The comment didn’t sit nicely 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 sector, 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 the whole lot on our personal, and we proceed to show it. It’s been 5 or 6 years that we’ve been the most effective staff, so respect us,” the midfielder stated in a post-match interview.
De Paul then made it clear that Argentina would proceed to deal with performing nicely, regardless of having already secured their World Cup qualification: “Nonetheless, there are qualification matches left, however we’re already certified. Nevertheless, as I stated earlier than, friendlies, qualifiers, finals, we play the whole lot the identical method. The World Cup remains to be far off, so we have to deal with the membership and the upcoming matches in June.”
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De Paul has been one in every 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 ultimate third, and was second in duels gained (6/9), enjoying an important function within the midfield throughout 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 basic, and we’d have performed it the identical method. That added an additional spice to the match, which I feel was pointless, however we did a terrific job, and with humility, we gave them a lesson,” Alvarez stated after the sport.
Leandro Paredes, who had a heated trade with Rodrygo throughout the match, additionally echoed De Paul and Alvarez. The midfielder revealed that the feedback reached them via the staff’s WhatsApp group and made his stance clear:
“Loads. We’re used to at all times talking on the sector. It occurred to us within the World Cup, it occurred within the qualifiers, and it occurred once more right now. We preserve doing the identical factor, we preserve doing our half, and right now we confirmed that once more. There’s no want to speak beforehand, no must say these sorts of issues, particularly when you possibly can’t again it up on the sector.”
