- Brazil have been eliminated from the Copa America after losing to Uruguay in a penalty shootout
- The match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, before Brazil lost 4-2 on penalties.
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Many fans appear convinced there is a rift between coach Dorival Junior and his Brazil players, based on footage taken during Saturday’s Copa America defeat to Uruguay.
Brazil lost 4-2 in the penalty shootout after the quarter-final had ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.
What happened immediately before the shootout shocked viewers. Manager Dorival, who is under contract until after the 2026 World Cup, appeared to be ejected by his own players during an on-field huddle.
The 62-year-old boss tried to contribute to team discussions, but it was difficult for him to exercise authority because of his position on the outside of the circle.
One fan commented on the video after it was shared on X (formerly Twitter): “I feel like his personality doesn’t fit this Brazil team, and they need to find someone else with a new voice.”
Brazil coach Dorival Junior (centre) looked dejected on Saturday night after his team were knocked out of the Copa America after a penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay.
Dorival (right) was earlier seen on the outside of a team meeting ahead of the penalty shootout
Another fan commented: ‘Lack of discipline has always been a thorn in the side of the Brazil team, and I never thought I’d see something as anti-football as collectively ignoring the coach, let alone coming from Brazil!’
A third fan was furious: ‘The coach ALWAYS goes to the centre of the circle and the players listen to his instructions. What a lack of respect.’
Other comments described the video as ‘one of the saddest scenes in world football’.
After eliminating Brazil, Uruguay will face Colombia in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
In the other semi-final, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face Canada.
Dorival pictured gesturing during what turned out to be his team’s final match of the tournament
Dorival has been coach of the Brazilian men’s national team since January 10.
He has officiated eight matches, three of which resulted in victories for Brazil, while the other five – including Saturday’s quarter-final – ended in a draw after regulation time.