Brazil forward Richarlison says he was lucky to have escaped unhurt after what looked like a nasty forward from Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani.
Richarlison says he could have been injured but he still has some sympathy for Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani after he was sent off for a nasty ankle challenge on Tuesday.
Manchester United forward Cavani was sent off in the 71st minute for the tackle as Brazil ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in the World Cup qualifier in Montevideo.
Cavani was initially shown a yellow card after going in late on the Everton frontman, catching Richarlison on the ankle with his studs.
But after a lengthy VAR review, which resulted in the referee going to his pitchside monitor, an astonished Cavani was then shown a straight red for the challenge.
Speaking after the game, Richarlison admitted Cavani’s tackle could have ‘broken’ his ankle but claimed the United forward mean any harm.
“It was a ball dispute and of course he went over the top,” the Everton star said as quoted by the Mirror.
“If my foot was planted there on the floor, maybe it could even have broken my ankle.”
“But I don’t think he meant it. I think he went there to get the ball but missed and took my foot. It’s a normal game situation.”
“I think it was a ball dispute, he went over the top.”
“If my foot was stuck it might have even broken my ankle, but I think it wasn’t bad.
“He tried to steal the ball and ended up missing.”
The 2-0 victory for Brazil means they have a perfect record in all four of their qualifiers so far. They are likely guaranteed of a spot in Qatar at this rate. Richarlison also commented on his side’s brilliant form at the moment.
“We are not getting arrogant because we’re unbeaten.” he continued.
“We know that every game is difficult and every game different but we are on the right path. Not because we’ve won but because sometimes we’ve been playing well.”
“We are on the right path, we have total faith in the coaches and they have faith in us and so we’ll keep looking to achieve our objective, which is to qualify for the World Cup finals.”
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