If Zidane is magic, I must be mad, says Abreu

Uruguay penalty star Sebastian Abreu claimed he should be lauded like Zinedine Zidane following his cheeky spot-kick against Ghana that propelled his country into the World Cup semi-finals.

The only remaining South American representatives will face Holland in Cape Town in the last four on Tuesday having beaten Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a quarter-final shoot-out.

Abreu converted the final kick with a nerveless dink down the middle of the goal as Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson dived out of the way.

It was a goal reminiscent of France legend Zidane’s own cool penalty in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

But when asked if he was mad to have tried such a trick, Abreu retorted: “What adjective did you use to describe Zidane’s penalty? Crazy? No, magic. So why not Abreu?”

And he added: “It was a decision I had to make, while trying to do my best and ensuring the ball went in.”

However, Abreu’s national team captain Diego Lugano was not so sure it wasn’t madness.

“We’re used to his crazy things, it’s not the first time he’s done that,” he said.

“It’s quality but he’s as mad as he is intelligent. He studies opponents and goalkeepers. He’s brave and smart.”

Veteran Abreu, 33, is something of a nomad in footballing terms having played for 17 different teams in seven different countries including spells in Spain, Israel and Greece, as well as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and his homeland.

But having seen many things during his career, he possesses a steely confidence in his little country’s chances in South Africa.

Despite their proud World Cup history — they are twice champions — Uruguay is a tiny country of just 3.5 million people who had not reached the semi-finals since 1970.

“I have conviction, belief that it’s 11 against 11,” Abreu added. “If it was something political or commerical we would not be able to compete because we’re up against first world countries.

“But seeing as it’s football, we can have our say.”