Neymar has declared his retirement from international football after Brazil’s unexpected defeat to Norway in the World Cup last-16. The decision concludes an 18-year international career for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player, as Brazil’s aspirations for a World Cup title were cut short by a strong Norway performance, spearheaded by Erling Haaland.
During the match, Neymar entered the game with 25 minutes remaining and scored a penalty in stoppage time. This goal, his 80th for Brazil and his first international goal in nearly three years, ultimately served as a consolation as Brazil was eliminated from the tournament. The 34-year-old player was visibly emotional after the final whistle, confirming his retirement to a Brazilian broadcaster.
Speaking about his decision, Neymar stated, “I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.” This announcement marks the end of an international career that, despite numerous accolades, did not include a World Cup winner’s medal, the prize he reportedly desired most.
Brazil’s World Cup Journey Ends
The match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., saw a significant presence of Brazil supporters, with approximately 80% of the stands filled by fans wearing neon yellow jerseys. Many were seen leaving early or in tears as Norway secured a 2-1 victory. This defeat represents Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since a round of 16 knockout in 1990.
Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged the profound disappointment following the match. He stated that while the team’s World Cup campaign was not spectacular, it was a good one overall. However, he admitted that the team needs to find new strategies moving forward, particularly addressing issues within the midfield. Ancelotti also mentioned the need for new talent and high-level players to join Brazilian football to strengthen the national team in the future.
The first 45 minutes of the game against Norway were described as gritty, with Brazil struggling to convert chances. Vinícius Júnior, a prominent player for Brazil, had a muted performance on the right side. A notable decision by Ancelotti was to sideline Vinícius Júnior for a first-half penalty kick, which was instead taken and missed by Bruno Guimarães. Norway’s goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, saved the penalty, a moment he described as a significant confidence boost for his team.
Ancelotti defended his choice regarding the penalty taker, explaining it was based on statistics indicating that the best penalty kickers were on the bench at that moment. He stated that Bruno Guimarães was chosen because he was considered the best option on the field at that point.
Individual Achievements and Disappointments
Neymar’s international career began as an 18-year-old, and he was widely considered a potential successor to football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite becoming Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, a World Cup victory eluded him throughout his career.
His journey included leading Brazil to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games and winning the 2013 Confederations Cup. However, World Cup disappointments were a recurring theme. In 2014, he scored four goals before a fractured vertebra against Colombia ended his tournament, forcing him to watch Brazil’s 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany from the sidelines. Brazil was also eliminated by Belgium in the 2018 quarter-finals and by Croatia on penalties in 2022, despite Neymar scoring in extra time.
Persistent injuries, including a serious ACL injury in 2023, impacted his influence in the later stages of his international career, though he returned for what proved to be his final World Cup campaign. The team had a difficult qualification but progressed through the group stage unbeaten and overcame Japan in the last 32 before facing Norway.
In the match against Norway, Ancelotti brought on Endrick in the 58th minute, a decision that briefly injected depth into the game. Endrick, a 19-year-old forward, had played only 102 minutes prior to this match. Shortly after Endrick’s substitution, Neymar entered the game, aiming to bolster the offense. However, Erling Haaland’s two goals in the 79th and 90th minutes secured Norway’s victory, ending Brazil’s hopes for a record sixth World Cup title.
The defeat left players, including Endrick, visibly emotional after the final whistle. Ancelotti acknowledged the tough atmosphere in the locker room but expressed that the team would use this defeat as motivation for a new cycle moving forward.
Neymar’s retirement leaves many reflecting on his extraordinary individual achievements alongside the unfulfilled ambition of a World Cup winner’s medal.
Read Also
Source: ca.sports.yahoo.com
