Daniel Feliciano

Fri 9 December 2022 20:40, UK

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta was blasted by Brazilian journalist Matheus Leal for his performance as Brazil crashed out of the World Cup on penalties against Croatia.

Paqueta started in central midfield once again as the Selecao looked to make it to their first semi-final since 2006, only to crash out on penalties after conceding with three minutes remaining in extra-time.

But Paqueta, who wasn’t on the pitch at the time the goal was conceded, was blasted by SuperEportes journalist Leal for his showing as manager Tite was criticised for not substituting him earlier.

“Every day Tite shows that Vinicius is on the field out of obligation,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (9 December).

“Paquetá bad, Richarlison bad, even Neymar himself… Then Vinicius Jr. is removed. Can not understand.”

Harsh

It’s fair to say that the performance against Croatia wasn’t Paqueta’s best of the tournament, but the criticism of him specifically was harsh this time.

Croatia’s midfield is by far their strongest port of call, and Brazil found themselves outnumbered with Paqueta alongside Casemiro up against Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.

Brazil did get themselves into the lead, with Paqueta getting the assist as he played a one-two with Neymar for the opening goal in the first-half of extra-time, before he was taken off at the break for a more defensive approach.

The manager didn’t do much during the game to help him or his team in the midfield battle, and there were no Brazil stand-outs over the course of the 120 minutes at all.

In the end they didn’t perform to their abilities and got eliminated, with the margin for error at the very highest level minimal and that’s what they found out.

Now he can return to the London Stadium with West Ham where he is loved by all, and start to show his true quality in England.