Dorival Junior takes ‘full responsibility’ of Brazil’s humiliating early Copa America exit

Brazilian coach Dorival Junior framed the Copa America as part of a building process, highlighting the challenges of creating a new national side.

Dorival Junior takes ‘full responsibility’ of Brazil’s humiliating early Copa America exit

Dorival Junior took responsibility for Brazil's exit from Copa America. (via IMAGO)

Brazilian national team manager Dorival Junior assumed full responsibility for the team’s humiliating Copa America exit. A lackluster Brazilian side lost 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw with 10-man Uruguay in Las Vegas.

A star-studded Brazilian team, featuring the likes of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Endrick under-performed in the Copa America. The team disappointed fans in the group stage, drawing twice and winning once, finishing second behind Colombia. Their disjointed campaign ended in the quarter-final against Uruguay, where Douglas Luiz and Eder Militao missed their spot-kicks in a penalty shootout.

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Coach Dorival Jr., who was criticized for omitting some important players from the Copa America squad, took full responsibility for the exit. At the press conference, he acknowledged the poor results but expressed confidence in the team’s potential for growth and improvement. Dorival likened the current phase to a ‘reinvention’. He also emphasized that the team’s current priority is long-term development for World Cup qualification.

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I do have to acknowledge that these weren't the expected results, and I take full responsibility for them, but I do think as well that this team has great room to grow and evolve and improve.
Dorival Junior on Brazil Copa America exit (via Goal)

Brazil’s Copa America disappointment continues their recent struggles, falling short of their 2019 and 2021 finishes. Meanwhile, Uruguay will face Colombia in the semi-finals, aiming for their 16th Copa America title.

Dorival Junior explains why he excluded Casemiro from Brazil’s 23-man Copa America squad

Brazilian head coach Dorival Junior addressed the omission of Casemiro from his 23-man Copa America 2024 squad in the USA. The 32-year-old defensive midfielder, who had played a key role in the Selecao’s 2019 Copa America win, was surprisingly left off the roster.

Dorival Junior on Casemiro
Dorival Junior opened up about Casemiro’s exclusion from Copa America squad. (via IMAGO)

The manager acknowledged the ex-Real Madrid star’s talent and assured him of his respect. However, he revealed that he had discussed Casemiro’s situation and the team’s needs with him three months before the Copa America. He emphasized that the exclusion was not a permanent decision and expressed his belief in the midfielder.

I had a chat with him in Manchester three months ago and explained what I was thinking at the time, about his and his team’s situation, and what I needed.
Dorival Junior on Casemiro (via Globo Esporte)

The Manchester United star was joined by several teammates, including Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Tottenham’s Richarlison, in being left out of the squad. Al-Hilal star Neymar Jr. was also omitted due to an ACL injury he sustained last year.

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