Vinícius explains why Bruno Guimarães took the penalty in Brazil’s elimination against Norway

Home Sport Vinícius explains why Bruno Guimarães took the penalty in Brazil’s elimination against Norway
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July 6, 2026July 6, 2026By Mario Vásquez
Vinícius explains why Bruno Guimarães took the penalty in Brazil’s elimination against Norway

Brazil’s elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup FIFA 2026 continues to generate reactions in the Brazilian team. After the 2-1 defeat against Norway at MetLife Stadium, Vinícius Júnior came out in defense of his teammate Bruno Guimarães, who missed a penalty that could have changed the course of the match.

The Real Madrid forward revealed that the coach, Carlo Ancelotti, decided that Bruno Guimarães would take the maximum penalty when the match was tied without goals. “I think Bruno was the best kicker to make that charge. He trained very well throughout the training camp and many will say that I didn’t want to take the penalty, but I never run away from responsibility”declared Vinícius in the mixed zone after the match.

The Brazilian attacker rejected the criticism that arose after the elimination and made it clear that he is always willing to assume responsibility in decisive moments, both with Real Madrid and the national team. “I take penalties at Real Madrid when necessary, and also in the national team when necessary. I will never run away from that responsibility,” he emphasized.

Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland stopped Bruno Guimarães’ shot during the first half. The action was decisive in the development of the match, since it deprived Canarinha of taking advantage on the scoreboard at a key moment.

Vinícius insisted that Carlo Ancelotti made the decision after evaluating the players’ performance during training prior to the match. “The coach chose him. We trained every day and, after observing us, he decided that Bruno was the one who should get paid. Unfortunately he ended up failing, but that can happen in football”he pointed out.

Likewise, the Brazilian winger asked that this specific error not tarnish Bruno Guimarães’ career or commitment to the national team. “I hope that this failure does not tarnish his career in the national team. He has given a lot for this team and continues to be a very important player for us,” he added.

Vinícius also recognized the merits of Norway, which surprised Brazil with a solid, orderly and effective tactical approach, with which it neutralized much of the Verdeamarela’s offensive power. “They surprised us with a very intelligent game. They were able to place many players behind the line of the ball and we were not able to apply our best pressure. That made the game very difficult for us and they took advantage of their opportunities very well”he explained.

With this defeat, Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, a result that represents a great disappointment for one of the favorite teams for the title. Despite the collective failure, Vinícius Júnior was one of the most outstanding figures of the Brazilian team during the tournament, with a balance of four goals and one assist.

Finally, the Real Madrid footballer expressed his sadness at the elimination, although he assured that the group will have to learn from this experience and prepare for the next international challenges. “I am very sad about our participation in the World Cup because we knew we could go much further. Now we have to raise our heads, continue working and learn from our mistakes. I am going to do my best to earn merit and be here again, defending my country in the next challenges that come.”he concluded.

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