Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup last 16 on Sunday has sparked a furious backlash at home, with pundits and fans lambasting the team's performance and manager Carlo Ancelotti's tactics. The loss means Brazil's wait for a record-extending sixth World Cup title continues, now spanning six tournaments without success, a period some are calling the 'reverse hexa'.
Scathing Criticism from Pundits
Former international Neto, now a pundit on Radio Bandeirantes, did not hold back. 'It's a generation that won fuck all,' he said. 'There are six players who won one Copa América and that's it. It was embarrassing from the beginning and everything that happened before that game. It was a shameful campaign and these guys are losers. It's a generation of lies.'
Carlo Ancelotti, praised for his substitutions in the previous round against Japan, faced heavy criticism. Cahê Mota, writing in Globoesporte, said his changes against Norway made the team worse. 'The Seleção are out of the World Cup and Ancelotti's plan failed. Brazil bet on a booby-trap game: they gave the ball to Norway and bet on a transition at speed. It worked very little.'
Possession Statistics Highlight Tactical Failure
Brazil had just 34% possession against Norway, their lowest in a World Cup match since records began in 1966. Mauro Cezar Pereira, a leading pundit, called it 'shameful to see a Brazil team, which for years has relied on marketing ploys like 'joga bonito', having a strategy to give the ball to the opponent and only play in transition.' He described the style as 'cowardly' and said it will never be acceptable to Brazilians, adding: 'The poor quality of Carlo Ancelotti's work is embarrassing.'
Ancelotti Under Fire Over Neymar Decision
Ancelotti's handling of Neymar has divided opinion. Neymar's supporters believe starting him would have seen him convert a first-half penalty and change the game. Critics, however, argue that introducing the all-time record goalscorer was the decisive mistake. Neymar moved to centre-forward, pushing Vinícius Júnior and Endrick wide. 'That's what decided the game,' said Mauro. 'From the moment he entered, Norway had even more possession. They attacked more and built plays until they scored goals. With Neymar, Endrick and Vinícius, Brazil became even weaker in combat, in the fight for possession, and were definitely subjugated by the Norwegians. Suicide.'
Neymar Retires from International Football
Neymar, who earned his first cap in 2010 against the USA at MetLife Stadium, announced his retirement from international football after the match. 'I tried,' he said. 'It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.' He ends his international career with 130 caps and 80 goals.
Future Prospects and Calls for Change
Many in Brazil are calling for a full reset, with Neymar, Casemiro, and their generation moving aside. Optimistic fans hope the country can produce midfielders and full-backs like in the old days. The immediate focus is the Copa América in two years, likely also in the US. If Ancelotti performs as poorly in that tournament as he did in this World Cup, his £8.5m-a-year deal is unlikely to be fulfilled.
