Big three couldn’t beat us — Paraguay coach
Robinho disappointed at missing out on shootout after being replaced in the 87th minute
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz hailed his team after they advanced to the semi-finals of the Copa America and boasted: “We have played Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil — and none of them have been able to beat us.”
They drew 2-2 with Argentina and 1-1 with Uruguay in the group stages, before beating Brazil on penalties on Saturday after a 1-1 tie here on Saturday.
Along with favourites Argentina and hosts Chile, Paraguay remain unbeaten in the continental competition after four games and now face Argentina in the last four.
“The players, the directors, everyone here is very happy. This is very important for us — a great step to carry on believing in this project,” Diaz said after the game. “You have to have a lot of respect for this team. The players have shown the fans just what they are capable of doing,” Diaz said.
Diaz now meets his compatriots again in the semi-finals and he said: “Argentina are the best national team in the world. We know them well and there won’t be much time to enjoy this special moment.”
Fulfilling their objective
In the meantime, however, Paraguay have more than fulfilled their objective in this competition and are in the last four for the second edition in a row. “We are very happy with the game we played. It’s a great satisfaction,” Diaz said.
Brazil forward Robinho, meanwhile, has expressed his disappointment at not being able to participate in the penalty shoot-out which resulted in his team’s elimination.
The 31-year-old was unable to take a spot-kick after being replaced by Everton Ribeiro — who failed to convert his effort from 12 yards — in the 87th minute and admitted he had hoped Dunga would allow him to remain on the field. “I wanted to stay to take a penalty, but I have to respect the coach’s decision, Usually I’m there to take a penalty. Now we must face it — our team has a lot to improve on. If one loses, everyone loses.”
The players, the directors, everyone here is very happy. This is very important for us - a great step to carry on believing in this project.”
Ramon Diaz
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Paraguay coach