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Following a premature departure from a tournament they had high expectations in, the duo reflect on their side’s downfall in the premier South American competition

Following their disappointing loss to Paraguay in penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals of the Copa America, Brazil internationals Maicon and Elano commiserated their exit from the premier South American competition and sized up their defeat as something that “will never be erased.”

After 120 minutes of football failed to break the goalless stalemate, the five-time World Cup winners were defeated by Paraguay 2-0 on penalties - a loss that Elano believes will be etched into Brazil's footballing history.

Speaking to reporters after the match the Santos playmaker commented: "The defeat leaves a mark in our heart and memory. This defeat will never be erased. But we have to be strong and work hard, knowing that we are in the right path.

"Football is like that. You work hard but sometimes you fail to deliver. Now we have to have patience to understand what our mistakes were and correct them."

Right-back Maicon was similar in his assessment of the game but stressed the importance of moving on from the devastating loss.

"There's no way to measure the size of the defeat," said the Inter defender. "We have to have the conscience to work on our mistakes and continue doing what we did well to go on with the work.

"I think defeats are a way for you to mature more. This was another one. Everyone will get back to their clubs, work and wait for Mano's next call-up".

Brazil’s exit from the Copa America on Sunday marks only the second time they have failed to reach the final of the competition in 21 years.
