In one of the shocking upsets at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland scored twice to knock out the five-time champions and reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
A missed penalty in the first half proved costly for Brazil, who suffered one of their earliest exits in recent tournament history. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has explained why Vinicius Jr was not chosen to take a crucial penalty for Brazil, revealing that statistical analysis placed the Real Madrid star outside the team’s top five takers.
Carlo Ancelotti defends Brazil's decision after Guimaraes miss causing shock exit
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti stated that Raphinha topped the penalty rankings overall. Among players available for selection, the order was Neymar, Igor Thiago, Bruno Guimaraes, and Martinelli.
Guimaraes was ultimately selected as the best performer on the pitch according to the coaching staff. The decision drew attention after Guimaraes missed the penalty, contributing to a disappointing result for the Selecao.
Ancelotti’s comments appear aimed at shielding Vinicius from criticism. The revelation has sparked debate among fans and experts about the balance between data-driven choices and experience in high-pressure situations. Brazil’s campaign continues under scrutiny as questions linger over squad selections and tactical approaches.
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