Brazil created chances but could not risk applying too much pressure, coach Carlo Ancelotti said after his team lost 2-1 to Norway in a shock World Cup last-16 clash on Sunday.
Brazil, who last missed a World Cup quarter-final in 1990, never really found their rhythm.
Norway looked confident from the start, with Sander Berge scoring a goal that was ruled offside within three minutes and Orjan Nyland saving a weak penalty from Bruno Guimaraes – a penalty taker that had left many fans confused, given his relative lack of experience.
That decision was based on a statistical analysis, Ancelotti said.
“According to that, the best person to take the penalty was Neymar, and then Raphinha, and then Bruno,” he said. “So we picked him because we felt he was the best on the field.” Neither Neymar nor Raphinha were in the starting XI.
The pace – possibly dampened by a oppressively humid day – remained slow at both ends, neither seemed keen to press on, and opportunities were missed.
Neymar received a loud cheer from the crowd during the second-half hydration break and the pace picked up, but Brazil were left to rue their relaxed start as talismanic striker Erling Haaland scored two late goals for Norway. Neymar’s penalty in stoppage time was not enough to save Brazil.
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“In the beginning it seemed to me that we were a controlled team, that we created chances,” Ancelotti told reporters. “It was difficult to apply too much pressure because Norway locked down their defense and applying too much pressure is a risk.”
The team would continue to do its job and «look for new ideas», Ancelotti said, acknowledging a lack of quality in midfield. “We need some young talent, we need high level players coming into Brazilian football.
«I think we did well, but that’s football for you, that’s sport. Sometimes you have to taste defeat,» he added.
Published on July 6, 2026
