"If you want to be a champion, you can't choose your opponent"

Raphinha, scorer of the goal that gave Brazil the lead in the 1-1 draw with Colombia, played down the excitement of the clash with Uruguay, his country's opponent in the quarter-finals of the Copa America in the United States on Tuesday, saying that if you want to be champion, "you can't choose your opponent".
The Spanish Barcelona striker said he knows the work of Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa and concluded that the 'Celeste' shows a strong team in the physical and psychological aspect.
However, he added that Brazil "is improving with the work of Dorival Junior", and stressed that all the players are convinced to give their best to contribute to the success of the 'Selecao'.
Of the 1-1 draw with Colombia in Santa Clara that left them in second place in Group D, he explained that they were up against an opponent that has had a longer period of work under Argentinian coach Nestor Lorenzo.
"They have been together longer, they have a long unbeaten run and are very strong, but we were able to neutralise them and draw the game," said the 27-year-old Porto Alegre native.