Darwin Nunez admitted to feeling ‘a little uncomfortable’ after leading Uruguay to a surprising triumph over Brazil.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side defeated the five-time World Cup winners 2-1 for the first time in 22 years. Liverpool striker Nunez was at the center of the victory at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario in the early hours of Wednesday morning. In the 42nd minute, he scored with a stooping, deft header that beat Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

Then, with 13 minutes left, the former Benfica forward displayed strength and guile to assist Nicolás de la Cruz’s finish – a feat that has gone down in Uruguayan history.

Nunez stated after the game that he had to work ‘hard’ to earn his place as his country’s first-choice striker. He’ll now return to Merseyside, where Liverpool will face Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.

Nunez told El Observador, “We started talking about this match after Colombia.” It was a difficult, direct competitor. It was well worth everyone’s time and work. We played an excellent game both offensively and defensively. We won today. It had been 22 years since we had defeated Brazil; they are clearly a very powerful team. Let us now celebrate and return to our clubs after making history.

“The truth is that I have to work hard to earn the position of number nine, and that’s what I try to do when I come to the national team.” It was obvious today that I came to leave everything on the field. In the end, I was a little cramped. “I’m overjoyed with the victory.”