Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision not to allow Vinícius Júnior to take a crucial penalty during Brazil’s 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, insisting the Real Madrid forward is not among the Seleção’s top five penalty takers.
The controversy arose after midfielder Bruno Guimarães missed an early penalty, prompting criticism from fans who expected Vinícius—Brazil’s leading scorer at the tournament—to take the spot kick.
Explaining the decision after the match, Ancelotti said the team’s penalty order was determined using statistical analysis rather than reputation. According to him, Brazil’s preferred penalty takers, when the squad is fully fit, are:
- Neymar
- Igor Thiago
- Raphinha
- Bruno Guimarães
- Gabriel Martinelli
Ancelotti added that among the players on the pitch when the penalty was awarded, Bruno Guimarães was considered the best option based on the team’s data, even though he ultimately failed to convert.
The defeat ended Brazil’s World Cup campaign, with Norway advancing after Erling Haaland scored twice. Neymar came off the bench to score a late consolation penalty, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990
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