Cavani caused a stir in public opinion

Edinson Cavani tries to defend Boca's performance.

Defeat always leaves a lasting impression, but sometimes a post-match statement can add to the intensity of the criticism. Edinson Cavani - once Boca Juniors' hope at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ - has found himself at the centre of controversy, not for his goals or individual performances, but for his divisive comments after a 1-1 draw with Auckland City.

It was a match Boca needed to win to keep their hopes of advancing alive, and Auckland City - representatives of New Zealand's semi-professional football - were considered the easiest opponents in the group stage. But in the end, they became the thorn in the side that shattered Boca's dream. The early exit was a shock in terms of achievements and finances, but what angered fans more was the feeling of helplessness and deadlock in the way Boca - a team once known as the "boogeyman" of South America - played.

Yet while the fans were angry, Cavani - who shouldered the role of attacking leader - said the draw was "not as bad as people say". That statement added fuel to the fire.

“We tried hard, created chances, controlled the game. But when the opponent defended with 10 men in the box, it was difficult to find space,” Cavani explained.

Technically, his words were correct. Auckland City were indeed playing a negative defensive game, and Boca tried to circulate the ball, find space, shoot from distance… But what the fans needed was not just a technical report, but a fighting spirit, a desire to win - something Boca seemed to have lost after the opening goal.

Cavani disappointed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Cavani continued to defend his team on social media: “We didn’t find a mechanism to exploit them more clearly… They were loyal to a defensive style of play, and the weather was hot, which made us lose speed.”

He is not wrong when he says that the harsh weather affects his physical strength, or that the opponent's "concrete" is a big challenge. But people expect a player with European experience like Cavani to make a breakthrough, to make a difference in a deadlocked match - something that he failed to show throughout the match.

Cavani’s final words to the fans – “Keep supporting us, things will change, we want to win titles” – sounded sincere, but lacked weight at a time when the team had just been so thoroughly disappointed. It felt like an empty promise in a crisis of confidence.

Cavani’s career has been marked by glorious moments at PSG, Napoli, and the Uruguayan national team. But in his twilight years, playing for Boca Juniors – where passion, belief, and pressure are always burning – he must understand that words carry as much weight as goals. A missed shot can be forgiven, but a statement that is out of tune with public sentiment can easily erode his image.

Cavani was right to look at the game rationally. But at Boca, where emotions rule everything, sometimes “rationality” becomes the hardest thing to accept. And so, instead of calming public opinion, his excuse inadvertently made things even more confusing.

Source: https://znews.vn/cavani-gay-bao-du-luan-post1563704.html