Brazil forward Vinícius Júnior has responded to criticism over his decision not to take a crucial penalty during Brazil’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Norway, insisting the choice was made by head coach Carlo Ancelotti and not by him.
The incident occurred during Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Norway, a result that ended the five-time world champions’ World Cup campaign earlier than many expected.
With the score still goalless in the first half, Brazil were awarded a penalty after a foul on Matheus Cunha.
Instead of Vinicius stepping up, midfielder Bruno Guimarães took the spot kick, only to see his effort saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
The missed penalty quickly became a major talking point after Brazil’s elimination, with some fans questioning why Vinicius, one of the team’s biggest stars, did not take responsibility.
However, the Real Madrid attacker has now dismissed suggestions that he avoided the moment.
“The coach decides before the game who will take penalties. He chose Bruno,” Vinicius explained after the match.
He added that he has never been driven by personal achievements and had no interest in chasing the tournament’s top scorer award.
According to the winger, Bruno was selected because the coaching staff considered him the better penalty taker.
Vinicius also rejected claims that he was unwilling to take the kick.
“Many people will say I didn’t want to take it, but I never run away from responsibility. I take penalties for Real Madrid whenever the coach chooses me,” he said.
Ancelotti has since defended the decision, revealing that Brazil’s coaching staff relied on extensive statistical analysis when determining the team’s penalty hierarchy.
The Italian coach said the selection was based on data collected over the past year, with Bruno among the designated takers available on the pitch at the time.
