International media react to West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta in ‘frustrating’ Brazil draw
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta starred as Brazil were kept to a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on Tuesday morning (25 June).
The 26-year-old, who has been running the show at the London Stadium for the last two seasons, made up an attack with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, though none were able to break the deadlock.
Despite being able to secure all three points, Paqueta was named Man of the Match, as per FotMob, during what was deemed a “frustrating” night for Brazilian football [Diario de Nordeste].
The Brazilian media [25 June] went on to write: “The Brazilian team had difficulty creating plays and only created again in the 18th minute, in a shot by Paquetá, which hit the post.”
Paqueta seemed to be one of the brightest sparks on the pitch, with O Globo [25 June] writing: “The players tried shots from all distances, with Lucas Paquetá and Rodrygo inspired and leading the action in the face of a more absent performance from Vinícius Júnior, who was substituted in the second half.”
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta impresses despite poor Brazil display
Despite the ongoing saga around the player’s future at the London Stadium, the 26-year-old is continuing to impress and carry his teammates forward like he has done so many times for the Hammers.
Paqueta was extremely unlucky not to score the only goal of the match, seeing one of his five efforts on the night rebound back off the post as Brazil had to settle for a draw. [FotMob]
With their next match against Paraguay, who lost 2-1 in their opening game to Colombia, Brazil and Paqueta will be hoping to get all three points on the board and progress easily to the next round of the Copa America.
Some Hammers fans may have a more selfish view ahead of next season. If Brazil are to be knocked out early, their star man could be afforded more rest time before the 2024/25 campaign kicks off.
Dorival Junior’s side are very likely to get out of the group, though, with stars such as Paqueta, Vinicius Junior, Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick to call upon.
In other West Ham news, Thiago Motta’s stance on the sale of Matias Soule has emerged as the Hammers lead the transfer race this summer.
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