"I didn't run away from responsibility", says Vini Jr after Brazil's elimination

Brazil's missed penalty against Norway in the 2026 World Cup will be seen and reviewed for many years to come, and remembered as one of the key moments in their elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

On the field, Bruno Guimarães was responsible for the charge, a fact that drew attention and generated discord among fans. Upon leaving the MetLife Stadium after the 2-0 defeat, Vinicíus Jr explained Ancelotti's decision.

"It's not time. The penalty is decided before the game and the manager decided for Bruno, because he trained well. These are occasions in the game, losing and doing, these are moments that pass. Unfortunately Bruno lost, I hope it doesn't tarnish his career in the national team", he said.

Vini denied that he had escaped responsibility for the raid. "I always say that I never run away from responsibilities, I didn't run away from the responsibility of taking the penalty. I just want the best for my team, Bruno was one of the best hitters on our team today", he commented.

Vini blames nervousness for destabilizing the team
In the second half, Brazil became disorganized and allowed Norway to lead 2-0. For Vinícius, the situation was the result of nervousness in the decision. "It ends up affecting us a lot. He shoots a lot, doesn't score, and then we concede a goal", he analyzes.

Top scorer Haaland scored both goals of the match, in the 34th and 44th minutes of the second half. Neymar scored in stoppage time, taking a penalty. In the first stage, Brazil wasted a penalty, taken poorly by Bruno Guimarães and saved by Nyland, a Norwegian goalkeeper who had a great performance.

With the elimination, the Seleção will have the longest period without World Cup titles in its history: in 2030, it will be 28 years since it was five-times champion in 2002, the same period between 1930 and 1958, which had fewer editions.

This is also Brazil's worst campaign since 1990, when Brazil fell in the round of 16 to rival Argentina. And the team continues without beating Norway in its history, now with five matches, three defeats and two draws.

What about the future?
Asked about his role in the Brazilian team over the next four years, Vinicius was categorical. "My role is to offer the best for my team and for my country. I will not give up trying to put Brazil at the top again."

Third place in the knockout stage is nothing new in World Cups; remember

Source: CNN