Sports
Ancelotti Says Brazil Deserved to Win Despite Norway Elimination
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken of his team’s “extreme sadness” following their 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, which eliminated the five-time champions from the 2026 World Cup. Erling Haaland struck twice late in the game before Neymar pulled one back with a late penalty.
Despite the loss, Ancelotti insisted: “I think that in today’s match we deserved to win.” He added: “I believe that this loss is not the end, but the beginning of a new cycle.” Brazil’s wait for a sixth World Cup title now stretches to 28 years.
Key Points:
Ancelotti believes Brazil deserved to win despite the defeat
Brazil’s 28-year wait for a sixth World Cup title continues
The manager frames the loss as the start of a new cycle
Neymar’s retirement adds to the sense of an era ending
Ancelotti faces questions over his future as Brazil coach
Brazil must now rebuild. Norway advance to face England in the quarter-finals.
Sources: Carlo Ancelotti (post-match interview)
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior has revealed that coach Carlo Ancelotti decided Bruno Guimaraes would take the first-half penalty against Norway, which was saved by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in the second half. Vinicius said: “The coach chooses who will take the penalty kick beforehand.
He chose Bruno. I was never selfish, I never wanted to be the top scorer of the competition, and that’s why Bruno took it.” He added: “Many people will say I didn’t want to take it, but I never hid. I take penalties for Real Madrid when the coach chooses me.”
Key Points:
Ancelotti made the decision, not Vinicius, on who would take the penalty
The missed penalty proved costly as Brazil lost 2-1
Vinicius defended himself against suggestions he shied away
He takes penalties for Real Madrid when selected
The defeat ended Brazil’s World Cup campaign in the Round of 16
Brazil’s World Cup campaign is over. Norway will face England in the quarter-finals.
Sources: Vinicius Junior (post-match interview)
Former England legends Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright have criticised Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes for his questionable defending during Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway. Erling Haaland scored twice, with his first goal coming after he outmanoeuvred Gabriel to head in Andreas Schjelderup’s cross.
Neville said on ITV: “I’m fuming with Gabriel… he knows that centre-forward better than anybody. For him to stay five yards off him and go for a straight race on a header with Haaland… absolutely crazy.” Keane added: “Poor defending.” Wright said: “I’m surprised Gabriel didn’t actually look for him once.” Norway will face England in the quarter-finals.
Key Points:
Gabriel was blamed for not tracking Haaland effectively
The defeat ended Brazil’s World Cup campaign in the Round of 16
Haaland’s performance has established him as a tournament superstar
Norway reach their first-ever quarter-finals
Arsenal defender’s form in the tournament has come under scrutiny
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals. Gabriel will face criticism as Brazil reflects on another early tournament exit.
Sources: ITV
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