Brazil's World Cup campaign ended in disarray as only one first-team player, Danilo, joined the coaching staff on the team's return flight to Rio de Janeiro following a 2-1 defeat to Norway on Sunday. The rest of Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad opted to travel independently, scattering across North America for holidays or to rejoin their clubs.
Haaland Double Sinks Brazil
Norway secured a quarter-final berth against England after Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages. The Manchester City striker opened the scoring with just over 10 minutes remaining and added a second at the 90-minute mark. Neymar Jr converted a late penalty but it was only a consolation for the five-time world champions, who have now endured a 24-year wait for a sixth title.
Ancelotti's side had been among the tournament favorites but struggled to break down a disciplined Norwegian defense. The defeat leaves Brazil facing a long road back to glory.
Flight Not Mandatory
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) provided a flight for the squad, but it was not compulsory. Most players chose alternative travel arrangements after the frustrating loss. Danilo was the only regular starter to accompany the coaching staff and training player Leo Nannetti on the official flight. Nannetti had been called up for training but did not make the final squad.
Ancelotti confirmed that the decision was left to the players, with many heading straight to their clubs for pre-season or taking short breaks before the new campaign begins.
Ancelotti Vows to Continue
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti said he and his staff would persist in their roles despite the disappointment. "What I say is that we continue to do our jobs and look for new ideas. It's the same thing we did this year. It is an experience on my side," he told reporters.
"It is a very disappointing result, and all of us are really saddened. But this was a great group and I have to thank my players, they worked really hard. I don't think we deserved to lose, but we have to accept it. That is football for you, that is sports. Sometimes you have to manage the sadness and bitter taste of a defeat."
He added: "I am very used to that, but we are going to take this defeat and use it as fuel for the new cycle. Everyone is profoundly sad, as the fans are. This is normal to have those feelings, but what we have to do is react correctly."
Quarter-Final Lineup Set
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 11 at 10pm at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The other last-eight ties see France take on Morocco, Spain face Belgium, and Argentina meet Switzerland.
