Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Bruno Guimaraes was only his side’s third-choice penalty taker during the Selecao’s shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, with both Neymar and Raphinha unavailable when the crucial spot-kick was awarded.
Brazil were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first half after winning a penalty. With Vinicius Jr on the pitch, many expected the Real Madrid forward to step up, having taken penalties for the Spanish giants in the past. Instead, Guimaraes took responsibility, only to see his effort brilliantly saved by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
The miss proved costly as Erling Haaland struck twice in the second half before Neymar’s stoppage-time penalty served only as a consolation in Brazil’s tournament-ending defeat.
Brazil vs Norway, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Highlights | Report
ANCELOTTI EXPLAINS PENALTY CALL
Addressing the decision after the match, Ancelotti explained that Brazil have a pre-determined order for penalties and that Guimaraes was next in line when the spot-kick was awarded.
“Neymar is our first penalty taker and Raphinha is the second,” Ancelotti said. “Neither of them was on the pitch at that moment, so Bruno was next.”
The Italian coach added that Guimaraes had shown enough confidence and quality from the spot in training to earn that responsibility.
“These things can happen. Bruno has trained well and we had complete confidence in him. Sometimes you score, sometimes the goalkeeper makes a great save.”
The explanation also clarified why Vinicius Jr, despite his experience from the penalty spot with Real Madrid, was overlooked for the decisive moment.
MISS PROVED DECISIVE
Guimaraes opted for a stuttering run-up before aiming low to Nyland’s right, but the Norwegian goalkeeper guessed correctly and produced a superb save to keep the scores level.
The stop lifted Norway, with Nyland continuing to frustrate Brazil through a series of excellent saves before Haaland punished the five-time champions with two clinical finishes in the second half.
Brazil were awarded another penalty deep into stoppage time after Casemiro went down inside the area. By then, Neymar had been introduced from the bench and took over penalty duties, calmly converting to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, there was no late comeback. Norway held on to secure one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and book their place in the quarter-finals, while Brazil were left to reflect on a missed opportunity that changed the complexion of the match. Guimaraes’ penalty miss ultimately became one of the defining moments of the Selecao’s World Cup exit.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
– Ends
