Robinho blames pitch for loss in Copa America

Updated on: 19 July,2011 09:41 AM IST |
Agencies |

Samba boys miss four out of five penalties in 0-2 quarter-final loss to paraguay; star forward robinho blames pitch for shocking ouster

Samba boys miss four out of five penalties in 0-2 quarter-final loss to Paraguay; star forward robinho blames pitch for shocking ouster

The five-time World Cup winners have been denied entry into the tournament's semi-finals after losing to Paraguay 2-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Paraguayan model Larissa Riquelme cheers for her team during Sunday's
Copa America quarter-final against Brazil. Riquelme has promised to pose
nude if Paraguay win the competition. PIC/AFP

Brazil wasted several chances on goal throughout the entire 120 minutes, as Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar put in a stellar performance, and Robinho believes his side were simply unfortunate.

"I think we had a good Copa America. We have to raise our heads and move on," the AC Milan forward told the press after the match.

"It is a shame we cannot be champions. We were better and we lost in a penalty shootout.

"Our team were a lot better, we practiced penalties, but on the night it did not work out.

"We won the last Copa America, but it was not possible in this one."

The 27-year-old also criticised the poor state of the pitch, saying: "For a team like ours, who like to play with quick touches, the state of the pitch was harmful."

Marcelo Estigarribia and Christian Riveros converted for the Paraguayans while Elano, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos and Fred missed for the eight-times continental champions in the penalty shoot-out.

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