Polilla da Silva takes a stand after América's elimination: "It's not a failure, the semester was very good."
América de Cali arrived in Barranquilla motivated and hoping to reach the final. They weren't able to because they were already eliminated before even taking the field after Medellín's victory against Tolima. A tough blow for the scarlet team and for coach Jorge da Silva.
América played unmotivated against Junior, and despite winning, they were left with the bitterness of elimination. At the end of the match, coach Polilla da Silva reflected on the events of the semester. He doesn't consider this elimination a failure and defends the team's efforts.
Words by Polilla da Silva 
Polilla da Silva, América's coach. Photo: Néstor Gómez. EL TIEMPO
Playing eliminated: "It was a very hard blow for everyone, because when we left the locker room I saw them motivated, and as we got to the tunnel we heard the news of Medellín's goal. We were excited. If the result went our way, it was up to us. It's understandable. We won well, but it was difficult to play in those conditions."
Juan Fernando Quintero against Corinthians. Photo: EFE
Match report: "We had control, possession, in the opponent's half, and we lacked clarity. We created chances, but we missed a few. We weren't sharp and suffered until the end. Our ambition was significantly reduced. It was an ugly game to play, with both teams eliminated."
América de Cali Betting Photo: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo
Failure?: "It's not a failure. The team competed all semester locally and internationally, qualifying for the Copa Sudamericana. The Medellín quadrangular is spectacular. The semester was very good. We were weakened by absences and injuries. I'm not one to make excuses. I know that in America you have to win the championship, but the tournament is close."
Jorge Polilla da Silva, during his time at América as manager. Photo: EL TIEMPO
For his part, player Rafael Carrascal expressed: "It hurt a lot to go out and play. We were depending on another match, but these things happen. We came here to win, we won, I appreciate the effort, this is history. It's time to play the other match and then think about next semester." "We were missing something, it's time to work and think about what's coming up, the Copa Sudamericana. We have to fight for the next title," he added.
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