Why was Bruno Guimaraes given a penalty by Brazil for Vini Jr vs Norway? Ancelotti explains

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed Bruno Guimaraes was only his side’s third penalty taker during the Selecao’s shock 2-1 defeat by Norway in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, with neither Neymar nor Raphinha available when the decisive free-kick was awarded.

Brazil were given 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 start, having scored a penalty for the Spanish giants in the past. Instead, Guimaraes took charge, only to see his effort brilliantly saved by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

The error proved costly as Erling Haaland struck twice in the second half before Neymar’s stoppage-time penalty served as just consolation for Brazil’s tournament-ending defeat.

Brazil vs Norway, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Highlights | Message

ANCELOTTI EXPLAINS THE TEST CALL

Responding to the decision after the match, Ancelotti explained that Brazil had a predetermined penalty order and that Guimaraes was next in line when the free kick was awarded.

“Neymar is our first penalty taker and Raphinha our second,” Ancelotti said. “Neither of them were on the field at the time, so Bruno was next.

The Italian coach added that Guimaraes has shown enough confidence and quality in training to earn the responsibility.

“These things can happen. Bruno trained well and we had complete confidence in him. Sometimes you score, other times the goalkeeper makes a great save.” Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty for Brazil in the 1st half. (Image: Reuters)

The explanation also clarified why Vinicius Jr, despite his penalty shootout experience with Real Madrid, was overlooked at the crucial moment.

THE MISS APPEARED TO HAVE DECIDED

Guimaraes opted for a stuttering run-up before heading low to Nyland’s right, but the Norwegian keeper guessed it right and pulled off a superb save to keep the scores level.

Norway lifted the deadlock, Nyland continued to frustrate Brazil with a series of excellent saves before Haaland punished the five-time champions with two clinical second-half finishes.

Brazil were awarded another penalty deep into stoppage time after Casemiro went down inside the area. By then, Neymar was introduced from the bench and took over penalty duties, calmly converting to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

However, there was no late return. Norway held on to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and secure a place in the quarter-finals, while Brazil were left to reflect on a missed opportunity that changed the complexion of the match. Guimaraes’ penalty eventually became one of the defining moments of the Selecao’s exit from the World Cup.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

06 Jul 2026 05:40 IST