Corinthians keeper on Libertadores draw in Uruguay and World Cup snub | OneFootball

On the night of last Thursday (21), Corinthians drew 1-1 with Peñarol-URU at Estadio Campeón Del Siglo in a match valid for the fifth round of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores group stage. Timão’s goal was scored by midfielder Zakaria Labyad in the second half. Already qualified for the round of 16, the point earned also secured Alvinegro first place in Group E with 11 points – eight goals scored and two conceded.

Moments after the final whistle, still on the pitch, goalkeeper Hugo Souza was interviewed by ESPN Brasil and highlighted the point earned away from home in the international tournament. Wearing the No. 1 shirt, he praised the opposing team’s quality in the air and their physical strength, with an imposing style of play.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca / Corinthians Agency

“We knew how difficult the match would be. Their team is very physical, they really try to impose themselves with aerial balls, with physical play. We tried to impose our game, keeping the ball on the ground. The end of the match opened up a little, but given the circumstances, this point here is important, securing first place in the group, and we move on looking for more, in search of decisive matches,” he began.

He was then asked about his absence from Brazil’s squad list for the World Cup. Hugo had been called up since the arrival of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti in April last year, but ended up losing the third spot to Grêmio’s Weverton.

“Everyone knows how much I expected to go to the World Cup. It was a goal for this moment, and my entire routine, inside and outside the club, was focused on that. But I told myself that, regardless of the outcome, my attitude would be the same. I’m really hoping Brazil does well, but I’m also very focused here so that we can achieve our goals,” he continued.

He also responded about the video shared on his YouTube channel reacting to not being called up for the most important national-team tournament in the world. In it, Hugo initially appears somewhat downcast, but receives support from family members and stresses the importance of staying focused and working steadily in hopes of being part of the 2030 cycle.

“I think it’s common to share when victories come and when things happen the way we imagine, but I also wanted to show the reality of the ‘no’s’ that the journey brings. That’s part of life, not just in football, but for everyone. I wanted to bring the fans a little closer and show that there’s much more beyond what happens on the pitch.”

“This pain will serve as fuel for me to keep doing my job and giving my best for Corinthians. It was this club that took me to where I am today, and I’m very grateful for everything it does for me. I’ll keep dreaming, believing, and working to achieve my goals and help the club achieve its goals as well. Thank you to everyone who was rooting for me,” he concluded.

At Corinthians since July 2024, after standing out for Chaves-POR while on loan from Flamengo, Hugo Souza did not take long to become one of the key players at the club from Parque São Jorge. In total, he has made 119 appearances in the Corinthians shirt, playing a decisive role in winning the Campeonato Paulista (2025), Copa do Brasil (2025), and Supercopa do Brasil (2026), against Palmeiras, Vasco da Gama, and Flamengo, respectively. The No. 1 is also the third goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in the club’s history (14).

Corinthians will now turn their attention back to the Brazilian Championship. That is because next Sunday (24), at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time), Alvinegro will host Atlético-MG at Neo Química Arena for the 17th round of the national competition. Timão currently sits in 17th place with 18 points – four wins, six draws, and six losses – with 14 goals scored and 18 conceded.

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