• World Cup

Take that! Suarez revels in England revenge

ESPN staff
June 20, 2014
Is Suarez one of the greatest in the world?

Luis Suarez has rubbed salt into England's wounds by taunting the critics who have attacked his conduct as a Liverpool player in the Premier League.

Suarez scored twice to condemn Roy Hodgson's side to a second straight defeat in Brazil and leave their qualification hopes in tatters.

The striker was so pleased with his impact it appeared to reduce him to tears and after coming under sustained fire for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra, biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic and going down too easily during a turbulent career in England, he has hit back.

Suarez said: "Before the game too many people in England laughed about my attitude over the last few years. This is a very good time for me. I want to see what they think now.

He's still not world class, says Hodgson

Roy Hodgson will not resign © PA Photos
  • Roy Hodgson still refused to concede that Luis Suarez is a world-class player despite the striker's brilliant finishes for Uruguay which condemned England to a 2-1 defeat.
  • Earlier in the week, Hodgson said Suarez would have to replicate the form he showed for Liverpool last season at the World Cup in order to be considered a world-class player.
  • However, the England manager is still not convinced.
  • Click here to read more

"I dreamt this. I'm enjoying this moment, because of all I suffered, the criticism I received. So, there you go.

"It was one of the best games I've played. It's an amazing moment for me. Maybe a few days ago I thought this wouldn't be possible."

Suarez's appearance in the win against England was his first since recovering from a knee injury and emotion clearly got the better of him. After scoring his first goal, Suarez embraced physio Walter Ferreira - the man who got him fit for Brazil.

He then appeared to be in tears after scoring his late winner and he later released a video from the dressing room to apologise to fans over his emotion.

Suarez said: "I'm very happy because it's incredible that we have won this match. I want to thank my wife, my two kids - who are the most beautiful things I have in this world - and Walter Ferreira as without him I wouldn't be here.

"Sorry about the emotion but I dreamed of this unique moment and giving happiness to all Uruguay. Go Uruguay, and let's prepare for the next match which is Italy."

Despite revelling in his revenge, Suarez also showed some humility to his friend and Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, the England captain.

Gerrard's mistimed header presented Suarez with the opportunity to beat the England defence and score a late second goal in Sao Paulo. The pair embraced briefly after the final whistle and Suarez said: "I told him to keep going. He's the best player I've played with on the pitch.

"This is an unlucky moment for him. I don't like it when he hurts like this. I said 'Keep going, forget this game, you're one of the best.'"

Emotion got the better of Luis Suarez after he scored the winning goal against England © PA Photos
Enlarge
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close