on penalties for LDU last Thursday night (31), São Paulo said goodbye to the dream of the Copa Sudamericana title. The Colombian James Rodríguez was the only one who wasted his charge that culminated in the fall of the Tricolor. On social media, the player claimed that this had never happened in his career and took responsibility for the elimination. The fans, in an act of solidarity, softened the criticism and supported the athlete.
James Rodríguez, the only penalty missed by @Sao Paulo FC in comparison with #LDU.#Sudamericana pic.twitter.com/9tQfJ1YIFs
— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@SudamericanaBR) September 1, 2023
James was spared by the fans, mainly, for the beautiful performance he had in the second stage. The Colombian entered in the 22nd minute and set the match on fire, at a time when the São Paulo club had one more in the game. He was responsible for giving dynamics and support to the midfield, he gave launches and great crosses. One of them, in a corner, found Robert Arboleda, who headed and had a deflection to open the scoring.
For São Paulo, it’s time to lift our heads and focus on the Copa do Brasil final, played over two weekends this month. James Rodríguez is not in the starting line-up yet, but if it depends on the fans, given the way he entered against LDU, he should have more minutes in the round trip of the decision.
We are with you, crack!!!
Now blows up in the Copa do Brasil pls
— Diggo (@diggocoelho) September 1, 2023
In the second half he played like shit, assisted, made perfect passes and made an effort to defend without the ball, unfortunately the guy took it badly and missed the penalty.
For me there are others who deserve more criticism, we could have very well qualified for the semis without going to penalties— Eduardo SPFC (@Arbolenda04) September 1, 2023
HE MUST BE A HOLDER, NO MATTER WHAT CONDITIONS HE IS IN!
Going in all the time in the second half is a fucking steal
—JC (@JCB2099) September 1, 2023
James, these things happen, don’t think it was your fault for the elimination, if you didn’t put the ball to Arboleda it wouldn’t even happen to penalties, you played a lot! let’s go! we follow!
— Vitão ˢᵖᶠᶜ (@spfcvitao) September 1, 2023
Support for James also comes from the squad of São Paulo
In the comments of the Colombian’s publication on social networks, the castmates supported the star. Lucas Moura highlighted how James changed the game and said that nobody wins or loses alone. Arboleda and Nahuel Ferraresi spoke about the athlete’s quality and the importance of not lowering your head.
James Rodríguez made a post taking responsibility for the result.
Lucas Moura, Ferraresi and Arboleda commented in support of the player. pic.twitter.com/n8VVXLaRD5
— We are São Paulo (@somosaopaulinos) September 1, 2023
At the press conference, coach Dorival Júnior said that, in the locker room, James again called for responsibility. Like the crowd and some players, the coach praised how well the player entered the match.
“James, who is a guy who hits very well, ended up slipping. To me, he gave the impression that he tapped the ball twice. He entered the match very well, he was playing a great role. He took responsibility in the locker room. He was very sad, as we all are. We have to lift our heads and look for a new condition. We cannot stop”, said Dorival.
Copa do Brasil is the club’s chance to end the season well
Out of the South American and irregular in the Brazilian Championship, the club from São Paulo bets all its chips on the Copa do Brasil. The first leg of the final, against Flamengo, takes place on Sunday, September 17, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. A week later, on the 24th, Morumbi will be the stage for the return, with the home team in search of the unprecedented title.
Seeing how the team will treat the Brasileirão now that they have one less competition to play. At the moment, São Paulo is only in 11th place, with 28 points, added to seven wins, seven draws and seven defeats.
See the next games of São Paulo in the season
- São Paulo x Coritiba – Brasileirão Série A – Morumbi – September 3 (Sunday), at 20:30 (Brasília time);
- Internacional x São Paulo – Brasileirão Série A – Beira-Rio – September 13 (Wednesday), at 7 pm (Brasília time);
- Flamengo x São Paulo – Copa do Brasil – Maracanã – September 17 (Sunday), at 4 pm (Brasília time).