Why I did not take Brazil’s penalty against Norway – Vinicius

n n

Brazil’s forward #07 Vinicius Junior reacts after losing 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 5, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

n

Brazil’s hopes of ending their long wait for World Cup glory came to a painful end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to eliminate the five-time champions.

n

The aftermath of the defeat was dominated by questions over why Vinicius Júnior did not take Brazil’s first-half penalty when the match was still goalless.

n

Instead, Bruno Guimarães stepped up from the spot, but his effort was saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, a moment that ultimately proved costly as Haaland’s brace sent Norway into the quarter-finals.

n

Speaking after Brazil’s elimination, Vinicius insisted the decision over the penalty taker was made by head coach Carlo Ancelotti and not by him.

n

“Why didn’t I take the penalty? Because it was the manager’s decision. I never hide or shirk my responsibilities.

n

“At Real Madrid, whenever the manager asked me to, I took them. Here, I followed the decision that had been made.

n

“This shows that I haven’t been selfish or acted in bad faith by seeking the spotlight,” he said, as per SPORT.

n

The Brazil national football team forward also came to the defence of Guimaraes, urging fans not to define his international career by the missed penalty.

n

“I hope that Bruno Guimaraes’s career with the Brazilian national team isn’t marred by this mistake.”

n

Despite criticism surrounding Brazil’s tactical decisions during the tournament, Vinicius expressed full support for Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team ahead of the competition.

n

“He’s a manager who gives me a lot of confidence.”

n

The 26-year-old admitted Brazil’s exit was another bitter disappointment for a nation desperate to reclaim football’s biggest prize after years without lifting the trophy.

n

“We have to move on. I can only apologise to our ‘torcida’, who always believed in us and stood by us.

n

“There’s a lot of frustration because the Seleção haven’t won for a long time.”

n

Looking to the future, Vinicius said he remains confident that Brazil’s emerging generation can restore the national team to the top of world football.

n

“We younger players are going to carry on and do everything we can to take the Seleção to the top,” he concluded.

n n