Brazil’s World Cup campaign in North America concluded in disappointment, as they crashed out of the last 16 following a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Norway. While Erling Haaland’s late heroics secured Norway’s passage, the match’s final moments were overshadowed by a fiery exchange between Brazil’s superstar Neymar and Norway’s veteran goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

The incident unfolded in the 90+8th minute, after Norway had already sealed their victory. Neymar, who came on as a second-half substitute, stepped up to convert a penalty, reducing the deficit to 2-1. This spot-kick is widely speculated to be the 34-year-old’s last kick of a football at a World Cup, with an announcement of his international retirement expected following the tournament.

Late drama and a heated exchange

Norway had taken the lead through an Erling Haaland brace, with his first goal a header from Andreas Schjelderup’s cross in the 79th minute, followed by his second in the 90th. Earlier in the match, Norway’s 35-year-old goalkeeper Orjan Nyland had already denied Brazil once, saving a penalty from Bruno Guimaraes.

Before Neymar’s late penalty, Brazilian supporters speculated on a verbal joust between the two players, with Neymar reportedly asking Nyland, “Where do you want it? Where do you want it?” to which Nyland allegedly retorted, “I’ll stop it for you! I’ll stop it for you!”

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After successfully converting his penalty, Neymar turned to Nyland and exclaimed, “Not to me! Not to me!” as reported by DAZN. This post-goal taunt, despite Brazil still trailing and facing elimination, quickly drew widespread criticism from fans online.

Fan backlash and Neymar’s legacy

The reaction on social media platform X was swift and largely negative, with many questioning Neymar’s actions in such a crucial moment. One supporter posted, “Is Neymar seriously taunting the goalkeeper when he’s down 2-1 at the 99th minute.” Another fan commented, “What a pathetic ending to Neymar’s career. Provoking and taunting the goalkeeper after scoring a penalty.”

Neymar’s international career, which began at 18 in 2010, has been illustrious yet ultimately unfulfilled in terms of major international trophies. He eclipsed Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top scorer in 2023. His statistics for Brazil paint a picture of immense contribution:

• 130 caps

• 80 goals

• 59 assists

His selection for this World Cup had already stirred controversy after Carlo Ancelotti opted to omit Chelsea’s Joao Pedro from the squad. The defeat marks a disappointing end for a player who has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade, failing to secure a World Cup or Copa America title.

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Meanwhile, Erling Haaland’s performance saw him draw level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament’s goalscoring charts, each with seven goals, as Norway advanced to the quarter-finals.

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