Martin Dubravka celebrated a massive win with his Slovakia team-mates on Monday (Image: Getty)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka took the time to wish his Magpies team-mate, Bruno Guimaraes, good luck at the Copa America next week following Slovakia's shock Euro 2024 victory over Belgium on Monday.
Dubravka put in an impressive performance as the underdogs won 1-0, inflicting Belgium's first defeat since the 2022 World Cup. And while the 35-year-old focused on his countrymen and their spirited display, he also sent a wholesome message to his friend on Tyneside.
"The Copa America is a huge competition," he said. "Obviously, I have the privilege of playing with Bruno and Joelinton [who is not in the squad]. I wish all of them just the best. Bruno is such a nice guy, he's a funny guy, he's my boy. All the best, man.
"Brazil is always one of the favourites. They have such good quality players and the Copa America is such a special tournament for them, so I think they can show their quality."
Dubravka was worked hard at Frankfurt Arena, with five of Belgium's 16 shots landing on target. Romelu Lukaku twice found the net, but both goals were chalked off by VAR in agonising fashion for Domenico Tedesco's side.
In the end it was Ivan Schranz's seventh-minute finish, following a clumsy error from Jeremy Doku, which made the difference. And Dubravka seemingly knew Slovakia had a surprise result in them as he talked up their team spirit after the game.
Bruno Guimaraes and Brazil get their Copa America campaign underway on June 25 (Image: Getty)
"We showed you today that you have to match us," he continued. "I know that so many people made us the outsiders of the group. Yeah, probably, if you look at the rankings we are there.
"But if we play like this, we can beat any team. I said many times that the team and the team spirit will always beat the individuals."
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Dubravka's club future is up in the air, despite his Newcastle contract running until the end of next season. Arsenal's back-up stopper Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move to St James' Park, as has Valencia star Giorgi Mamardashvili.
But it's a swoop for James Trafford which is the most advanced, as Burnley have reportedly received a £16million bid from Newcastle which is yet to be accepted. Trafford's arrival on Tyneside could bump Dubravka down to third choice, with Nick Pope already an established option between the sticks.
