Striker Vini Jr. clarified this Sunday (5/7) why he didn’t take the decisive penalty in Brazil’s elimination to Norway, in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The decision, according to him, came from coach Carlo Ancelotti, who opted for another player, marking one of the first major setbacks under the command of the new coach of the Seleção. In a press conference held at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, the Real Madrid player refuted suggestions that he had avoided responsibility at a crucial moment in the match.
Decision of the technical committee on the penalty taker
Addressing the episode at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, Vini Jr. emphasized that the choice of penalty taker belonged exclusively to Carlo Ancelotti. The coach defined Bruno Guimarães for the strike that could change the fate of the match.
“Many may suggest that I dodged, but I never ran away from responsibility”, declared the number 7. He highlighted his attitude in moments of high pressure at Real Madrid and in the Seleção itself, whenever his presence was required in important calls.
The striker explained that the priority was not his artillery or individual performance in the competition. The choice, according to Vini Jr., focused on who had the best conditions to execute the penalty at that exact moment in the game. “Bruno hit and, unfortunately, lost”, lamented the player.
Striker defends Bruno Guimarães after decisive error
Vini Jr. also used the opportunity to express support for Bruno Guimarães, who ended up missing the decisive kick. He expressed the hope that the isolated move would not harm his colleague’s trajectory on the national team.
“It’s essential that we give him a lot of support,” said the player, highlighting the importance of strengthening his teammate in the face of adversity. The climate of unity, even after the elimination, was a point raised by the attacker.
Apology to the nation and analysis of elimination
The number 7 of the Brazilian team addressed the fans directly, apologizing for the early elimination. He acknowledged that the team’s performance did not live up to the expectations of those who believed in the team.
“We couldn’t live up to our fans and the shirt we wore”, lamented Vini Jr., highlighting the cast’s self-criticism. The team, which had high hopes, failed to advance in the competition.
Regarding the game against Norway, Vini Jr. admitted surprise at the opponent’s strategy and Brazil’s difficulty in reacting. The Norwegian team managed to neutralize the Brazilian attacks, culminating in a 2-1 defeat.
Future in the national team: promise of persistence after the blow
Despite the setback, Vini Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to the Brazilian team and his intention to continue fighting for future World Cups. He expressed his determination to help Brazil return to the top of world football.
“I’m not going to give up fighting to put Brazil in the highest place again”, he declared. The athlete pointed out the need for continuous work and dedication to deserve a new call-up, highlighting the weight of an elimination in the World Cup.
