Hugo Souza on Seleção goal and World Cup snub frustration | OneFootball

Hugo Souza returned to defend the Brazilian National Team and experienced contrasting moments in the 1-1 draw with Australia last Friday. Starting in the friendly, the Corinthians goalkeeper was criticized for the goal conceded from Irankunda’s free kick and explained how he saw the play. In an interview with Esporte Espetacular, the No. 1 also recalled the frustration of not being called up for the last World Cup and spoke about the competition for the position.

Australia’s goal came 23 minutes into the second half. Irankunda took the free kick, and Hugo was left practically without reacting, unable to dive toward the ball. Analyzing the play, the goalkeeper acknowledged the quality of the shot and said he noticed the ball’s path too late.

Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Hugo also took the questions about a possible mistake naturally. For the player, the exposure that comes with being Brazil’s goalkeeper means that any goal conceded will be analyzed and bring criticism.

“On the goal, really, the guy was very good with the free kick he hit. When I thought about diving for the ball, it had already gone past. And of course criticism is going to happen. ‘Wow, but he didn’t dive for the ball, I think he could have, I think it was a mistake.’ That’s going to happen with any goal that I or any other goalkeeper concedes here with the Brazilian National Team,” he said.

Experience at Corinthians and Flamengo helps Hugo deal with pressure

The pressure faced with the National Team is not a completely new situation for Hugo Souza. Before arriving at Corinthians, the goalkeeper played for Flamengo and understands that the experience at both clubs helped him learn to live with pressure and major exposure.

Speaking about the two teams, Hugo highlighted the attention that follows players in their daily lives and said that this background has left him better prepared for similar situations wearing Brazil’s shirt.

“They’re the two biggest media spotlights in Brazil. And, obviously, that goes both ways. I think that gives me a lot of toughness to come here to the National Team and understand that it’s going to be like this too,” he said.

The goalkeeper was called up again after going through a frustration in the previous cycle. Despite being part of the period under Carlo Ancelotti, Hugo ended up left off the final squad for the last World Cup, when Alisson, Ederson, and Weverton were the three chosen for the position.

Hugo recalls his reaction after missing out on the World Cup

After not appearing among those called up for the World Cup, Hugo took a different step from what is usually seen on players’ social media. The Corinthians player posted his reaction to receiving the news and revealed a moment of frustration.

According to the goalkeeper, the decision was linked to an attempt to turn that disappointment into motivation to keep fighting for space in the National Team.

“I even posted this reaction on my social media, which isn’t common. We always see people posting when they go, when they have a happy moment, a joyful moment. And at that moment, I tried as much as possible to take that frustration and try to see the glass as half full,” he pointed out.

The episode also brought about a symbolic change on the player’s phone. Until then, Hugo used an image of the World Cup trophy as his lock screen, representing his goal of playing in and winning the tournament.

After being left out of the squad, he removed the image. The dream related to the National Team, however, remained represented on the device: the goalkeeper began using a photo of himself wearing Brazil’s shirt.

“It’s no longer my lock screen (the trophy). At that moment, when I’m not called up, I end up taking it off. But my lock screen is still related to the National Team. It’s me wearing the Brazilian National Team shirt. And I hope it’s an image that repeats itself a lot. I’m here for my dream. I’ll never give up,” he said.

New generation of goalkeepers earns praise

During this FIFA window, Hugo Souza also found himself in a different situation from what he was used to in his first opportunities with the National Team. Little by little, the Corinthians player went from being one of the youngest names in the position to one of the most experienced among those called up.

In addition to Timão’s No. 1, Carlo Ancelotti called up 20-year-old Otávio and 22-year-old Pedro Morisco. Hugo praised both teammates and highlighted the level shown by the new generation in training.

“I think it’s a little different for me here with the National Team, because I always came in as one of the youngest. But at the club, I’m used to that reality. The players (Otávio and Pedro Morisco) are incredibly good. And their training raises our level. I’m very happy to see a generation of goalkeepers coming through with this quality,” he concluded.

Two more matches before returning to Corinthians

Hugo Souza will still remain with the Brazilian National Team for two more friendlies during this FIFA window. The first will once again be against Australia, this Tuesday at 7 a.m. (Brasília time), at Suncorp Stadium.

After that, the Brazilian delegation will travel to India. Brazil will face the hosts on Saturday at 11 a.m. (Brasília time), at Salt Lake Stadium. Only after these international matches will Hugo once again be available to Corinthians for the rest of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.