Brazil was unexpectedly chosen to host the Copa
America after Argentina withdrew because of a surge in COVID-19
cases. Multiple news reports in Brazil have said the players are
upset at not being consulted about the decision as well as the
possible public health consequences.
"We can’t talk about the issue (but) everyone knows what our
position is regarding the Copa America," Casemiro said after
Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 in a World Cup qualifying game in Porto
Alegre.
"It's impossible to be clearer. We want to express our opinion
after the game against Paraguay.
"There are hierarchies that we have to respect. Of course we
want to give out opinion, lots of things have happened, but
respect exists."
Brazil have won all five of their World Cup qualifiers so far
and are top of the 10-team South American qualifying group for
Qatar 2022.
“We don’t want to lose our focus because this for us is the
World Cup,” Casemiro said after Richarlison and Neymar scored in
Porto Alegre. “Today we won a World Cup match.”
Far-right president Jair Bolsonaro announced on Monday that
Brazil would host all 28 games between June 13 and July 10. Over
460,000 people have died from the virus in Brazil, more than
anywhere outside the United States.
(Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
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