Brazil's World Cup campaign has concluded with a stinging defeat against Norway, prompting widespread criticism from domestic newspapers that have labeled the exit "cowardly" and "shameful." Manager Carlo Ancelotti has borne the brunt of the backlash, with reports suggesting his tactical decisions "ruined the team."
Norway secured a 2-1 victory in New York on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. Neymar Jr. converted a late penalty, but it served only as a consolation for Brazil, extending the nation's World Cup drought to 22 years since their last victory in 2002. The loss also marks Brazil's worst World Cup performance in 36 years, dating back to their Round of 16 exit at Italia '90.
One UOL columnist described Ancelotti's late substitution strategy against Norway as "disastrous," alleging the manager "pandered to popular demand" by bringing on Endrick and Neymar for the wingers. The outlet noted, "It wasn't Neymar who died embracing Ancelotti, but Ancelotti who died embracing Neymar."
Neymar's inclusion in the squad was also a point of contention, especially given his limited league appearances due to injury during his season with Santos. Reports highlighted that he was preferred over other players like Chelsea's Joao Pedro, who was omitted entirely. Neymar featured in only two tournament matches and struggled to make a significant impact, yet was chosen over Raphinha and Igor Thiago when the team was searching for a goal against Norway.
Brazilian media outlets expressed significant disappointment. O Globo's front page declared, "Brazil is eliminated and has its worst World Cup in 36 years." Another publication in Sao Paulo stated, "Brazil falls to Norway and suffers eliminations in six consecutive World Cups." A further newspaper simply read, "Brazil sinks."
One journalist was particularly scathing, describing Brazil as "Small, Cowardly, Dominated, Ridiculous, Shameful." This critic also called Neymar's call-up "a scandal," adding, "This Brazil is not the Brazil of the people. It is the Brazil of power. An absolutely despicable and individualistic Brazil."
Despite the intense criticism and calls for his dismissal, Ancelotti stated in his post-match press conference that he does not intend to step down. "We must continue to work and improve and find new ideas," the 67-year-old Italian said. "I believe that this loss is not the end, but the beginning of a new cycle."
Ancelotti acknowledged the disappointment but also highlighted the "excellent working group" and thanked the players for the atmosphere they created. He admitted that "Things don't always go our way - not everything is always perfect. Today we didn't deserve to lose, but the opponent must be considered in the equation - and rival with excellent players who made the difference."
Norway, led by Martin Odegaard, will now face England in the quarter-finals. Prior to this tournament, Norway had never reached the knockout stages of the World Cup. Haaland expressed his excitement, stating, "Maybe this will write in the history of Norway. Everyone just needs to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day. It's one of the most insane days in Norwegian history."