Ancelotti explains why Vini Jr didn’t take penalty in Brazil World Cup exit | OneFootball

Vini Jr left the ball for Bruno Guimarães

Brazil’s National Team lost to Norway this Sunday (05), 2-1, and was knocked out of the World Cup. One of the moments that outraged the fans was the penalty missed by Bruno Guimarães. In a press conference, coach Carlo Ancelotti explained why Vinicius Júnior did not take the penalty.

— (The choice was) because we compiled statistics over a year on both the opposing players and our own. The best penalty taker is Neymar, then Igor Thiago, then Raphinha, then Bruno Guimarães, then Martinelli. We chose Bruno Guimarães because we thought he was the best option on the field — said Ancelotti.

How did the Brazil vs Norway match go?

Brazil’s National Team had trouble converting the chances it created against Norway. Ten minutes into the first half, Matheus Cunha was brought down in the box and, after a VAR review, referee Ismail Elfath awarded Brazil a penalty. On the kick, Vini Jr left the ball for Bruno Guimarães, who was denied by goalkeeper Nyland.

However, the score only changed from 0-0 in the 34th minute of the second half. After a cross from Norway, Haaland rose high and scored the first goal of the match.

In addition, in the 45th minute, Haaland received the ball at the edge of the box and fired it into Alisson’s left corner, leaving Brazil’s goalkeeper with no chance. Finally, in stoppage time, Neymar pulled one back for Brazil after Casemiro won a penalty.

What were Vini Jr’s numbers in the World Cup?

Vinicius Júnior was Brazil’s top scorer at the 2026 World Cup. In five matches played, the No. 7 recorded four goals and two assists. The forward was also named man of the match in all three group-stage games.

What is the article author’s opinion about the penalty Brazil missed?

“Vinicius Júnior is Brazil’s main player and, because of that, he should have taken responsibility and kicked the penalty. Even if he does not have the best numbers in Brazil’s training sessions, Real Madrid’s No. 7 made a mistake by passing the ball to Bruno Guimarães,” said Davi Esteves, journalist for Coluna do Fla.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.