Hugo Souza Defends His Role in Brazil’s Draw With Australia
Hugo Souza remains without a win in his first two Brazil appearances after Carlo Ancelotti’s side required a stoppage-time equaliser from Rayan to draw with Australia in Townsville.
The Corinthians goalkeeper, 27, started against the Socceroos and was beaten in the 68th minute by a curling Irankunda free-kick. Souza did not move for the strike, which put Australia ahead before substitute Rayan headed Brazil level in the closing moments.
The result followed Souza’s defeat against Japan on his senior international debut, leaving the goalkeeper still seeking his first victory for the Seleção.
Souza backs Irankunda’s free-kick
Souza rejected the suggestion that he should have saved Irankunda’s set-piece, praising the quality of the Australia attacker’s finish instead.
“He struck the free-kick extremely well,” Souza said. “When I considered diving, the ball had already passed me.”
He accepted that every goal conceded by a Brazil goalkeeper will bring intense debate, particularly given the expectation attached to the national team shirt.
“People will say I did not dive, that I could have got there, or that it was an error,” he said. “That is normal whenever I, or any goalkeeper, concedes for Brazil. It is frustrating, naturally, that I still have not won with the national side.”
Club pressure has prepared him
The goalkeeper has already played under close scrutiny at Flamengo and Corinthians, two clubs whose players face constant media and supporter attention in Brazil.
Souza said those experiences have helped him deal with the demands now surrounding his place in Ancelotti’s squad.
“I have lived with the spotlight at Flamengo and now at Corinthians,” he said. “They are the two biggest media centres in Brazil, and you have to become accustomed to that.
“When things are good, the praise is huge; when they are bad, the criticism is equally strong. That gives me a thick skin for Brazil, because the demands here will always be very high.”
Brazil face immediate Australia rematch
Brazil meet Australia again on Tuesday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane before finishing their international tour against India. Ancelotti is expected to continue assessing an experimental group, and Souza could receive another opportunity to claim his first Brazil win.
The return fixture will also offer Brazil’s defence the chance to respond after Australia created danger through quick counter-attacks and took the lead through Irankunda’s set-piece in Townsville.
