Estêvão Follows Orders and Gives Penalty to Paquetá in Brazil Draw
Chelsea winger Estêvão revealed that he followed the coaching staff’s instructions by allowing teammate Lucas Paquetá to take Brazil’s second penalty in the friendly against Tunisia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Estêvão, 18 years old, had scored a penalty in the 44th minute of the match played in Lille, France, equalizing the score 1-1.When Brazil was awarded another penalty in the 77th minute, coach Carlo Ancelotti designated Paquetá, who had come on as a substitute, to take it. However, the West Ham player missed the shot, sending the ball over the crossbar.
“I really wanted to take the penalty, but the order came. I supported my teammate so he could score the goal. Unfortunately, he missed, but with our heads held high, we have to train, improve because in a World Cup we have to take advantage of these opportunities.” Ancelotti explained his decision.“It was an order I received,” commented Estêvão.
Estêvão
Paquetá apologized for missing the penalty.“For the second penalty, I changed the shooter because I wanted to take some pressure off Estêvão, so I put Paquetá in, who usually takes them very well,” Ancelotti stated after the match.
Carlo Ancelotti
“I will try to put myself in those circumstances to improve in that sense, to convert in the next opportunity and help the team.” Despite Brazil closing the year without victories, Estêvão focused on the positive aspects. Estêvão joined Chelsea from Palmeiras for £29 million (38.6 million dollars) in the summer and quickly adapted to the Premier League. He has scored five goals in 11 appearances for the Brazilian national team.“I apologize for the missed penalty,” he said. “I am sad. We probably would have won with that penalty. I am very used to scoring at my club, I have great successes. Unfortunately, my anxiety about scoring made me make a decision before that final touch, so I think that’s what prevented me from taking the penalty as I usually do and I ended up not converting it.
Lucas Paquetá
“Obviously, we always come here to help, and I’m very happy about that.”“It’s been a very special year,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve had many ups and downs, but I was able to handle everything that happened. Being here with the national team means that the work has been done well at the club and at home, so I am very happy to represent the national team.
Estêvão
