Bruno Guimaraes made an emotional apology after his costly penalty miss in Brazil's World Cup last 16 clash against Norway. The Newcastle United captain stepped up but Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved his spot-kick after a stuttering run-up, and Norway won the game 2-1. By the time a second penalty was awarded, scored by Neymar, Bruno had already been substituted.
Bruno's World Cup Ends in Heartbreak
Bruno had been just a couple of assists away from matching the record of legendary Brazilian star Pele, but his World Cup is over. Speaking on his penalty miss, a distraught Bruno told reporters in the bowels of the New Jersey stadium: 'I think I had been enjoying very good World Cup. So I was happy on the penalty. I had studied their goalkeeper a lot and saw that there was the best corner to hit. Unfortunately, he took it. But it's a general sadness, everyone very upset.'
Bruno then apologised to the nation and their fans after Brazil's exit. He said: 'Anyway, apologise to the fan who always believed, who supported us until the end. It's a very difficult day even to find the words. Very upset with all this, it's looking for strength now in our family, which will be an important moment. We are very sad, clearly. It's a game that we had full conditions to win. I think it's a very strong pain and it's hard to find words, because we weren't expecting that. We know that soccer often gives you a lot of joy.'
Future at Newcastle Unaddressed
Chronicle Live understands that Bruno did not discuss his future despite links with Arsenal, having not been asked the question by the South American media pack on a day where there were more important issues for Selecao. Newcastle's stance on Bruno is that he remains not for sale and that there is no pressure to sell the star to Arsenal, despite clear interest. Sources have indicated to Chronicle Live that there is still strong interest in the midfielder, who now has a holiday ahead of him before returning to pre-season training with Newcastle later this month.
