France goal Léo Pereira's fault? Flamengo defender honest on Mbappé | OneFootball

Léo Pereira became a topic of debate among fans after Mbappé’s goal

After France’s 2-1 win over Brazil, social media was flooded with debate: did Léo Pereira make a mistake on Mbappé’s goal or not? This Saturday (28), at a press conference, the Flamengo center back admitted he could have done better on the play that happened last Thursday (26).

— The level of France’s players is very high, and you could feel that on the field at certain moments. There (the goal) it came down to a small detail. I think we could have had better body positioning, or Bremer and I could have stayed more compact. But unfortunately that play happened, and we know that any little detail we give those players is fatal. Now it’s about correcting that detail, because we have a lot ahead of us — began Léo Pereira, who was then asked whether he expected the opportunity in Ancelotti’s team.

— I knew there was a possibility of getting minutes, so it wasn’t a surprise. I had it in mind that I could play in either of the two matches. Of course I want to be playing, doing my best in this shirt and alongside my teammates. It wasn’t the dream debut, but I believe I’m calm and I’ll keep working to earn more minutes — added the Flamengo defender.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PLAY IN QUESTION?

In the 32nd minute of the first half, Casemiro lost the ball in midfield, and Dembélé played a brilliant through ball to Mbappé. The forward burst between Léo Pereira and Bremer and, with great composure, chipped goalkeeper Ederson. On social media, ‘anti-Flamengo’ fans blamed the red-and-black defender.

This is because, caught off guard by Casemiro’s mistake, Léo Pereira made an ‘outside move’ as he turned to track Mbappé. But the Frenchman accelerated at high speed through the middle. Despite the situation, the center back received praise from coach Carlo Ancelotti and is expected to start the next match.

WHEN WILL BRAZIL VS CROATIA BE PLAYED?

Brazil return to the field next Tuesday (31), against Croatia, once again in the United States. Kickoff is at 9:00 p.m. (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla. In addition to Léo Pereira, Danilo is also expected to get a chance in the team, replacing the sidelined Wesley.

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