Ancelotti explains: Why Vini didn't take the penalty

Many were likely surprised that Brazil's penalty in the World Cup Round of 16 against Norway in the 14th minute was not taken by Vinicius Junior.

Instead, Bruno Guimarães stepped up, failed, and missed the potential lead.

After the lost match, Carlo Ancelotti explained the decision regarding the penalty taker at the press conference:

"We analyzed both the opponent and our own players over the past year. Our number one penalty taker was Raphinha." However, the FC Barcelona attacking player is injured and has not been in action since the group stage.

Guimaraes only fourth choice

After that, Neymar and Igor Thiago followed in the internal hierarchy, both of whom were on the bench at the time.

"Then came Guimarães and then Martinelli. We chose Guimarães because we considered him the best player on the field at that moment," said Ancelotti.

The drama is well-known: Guimaraes missed, and Haaland decided the match late with a brace.

To the match report >>>