Brazil’s manager, Tite, confirmed that Neymar was supposed to be the Selecao’s fifth penalty-taker before they were ousted from the World Cup on Friday by Croatia.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker produced a spectacular extra-time goal that seemed to secure the victory for Brazil, only for Croatia to come back and bring the game to penalties, where Rodrygo’s first shot was saved. Fourth-man Marquinhos hit the post to confirm their elimination.
It meant that the team’s icon, Neymar, didn’t even take a penalty in the shootout.
Tite revealed his choice to retain the 30-year-old till the end, despite widespread condemnation from supporters.
Tite stated, “He is the fifth and decisive penalty taker.” “The guy with the most talent and the mentality to step up is under the most pressure.”
Brazil failed to convert two of their four penalties, but Croatia converted all four to go to the World Cup semi-finals.
The shootout loss marked the end of Tite’s reign as Brazil coach, with the 61-year-old also stating his plan to leave the Selecao when his contract expires later this month.
