It was Endrick who would take on the number nine spot for Brazil in their vital match against Uruguay. Endrick, merely a teenager, with all the innocence in the world, would take the stage on one of the biggest stages in the world. Endrick, the precocious wunderkind desired by every club before he sealed a move to Real, the vulnerable yet iconic striker, the unproven yet successful attacker, would see his first major test on the global stage. It was Endrick, yes that 17-year-old Endrick, who would take on the vacant slot at striker.
His first start in the Brazil jersey comes at a pivotal crossroads for the Selecao. They faced one of the strongest teams in the entire tournament in Uruguay, a squad that swept aside the United States in the group stage along with wins over Panama and Bolivia. Brazil’s core, rapidly aging and facing questions about its legitimacy, desperately needed a win to fight off those doubts.
They would have to win without Vinicius, who would miss their knockout round through a yellow card suspension, and Neymar, who injured his knee in March. Manager Dorival Junior moved Rodrygo to the left wing and plugged Endrick in at striker. Endrick, who had played 34 minutes in Brazil’s first three Copa matches, would finally earn his long-awaited start.
Uruguay takes control early against Brazil
Uruguay’s talisman, Ronald Araujo, was the first to do something of note in the game. After Federico Valverde put in a rough tackle on Endrick, grounding him, a small scuffle ensued. Araujo stepped in, shoving Endrick from the back. It meant more than a simple disagreement — Endrick met the gatekeeper to his status as an elite attacker, a peek into his upcoming season at LaLiga.
Although Endrick threw his arms, hopped back up, and stared Araujo down, it was Raphinha who stepped in, shoving Araujo back. The brief but intense fight broken up by the referee would set the tone for the game.
The first big blow wasn’t a goal on either…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/unimaginative-brazil-out-after-shootout-loss-to-uruguay/
Author : Deolu Akingbade
Publish date : 2024-07-07 04:43:18
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