Neymar had a fiery exchange with Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland after scoring a consolation penalty in Brazil's 2-1 World Cup last-16 defeat. The 34-year-old former Barcelona and PSG winger came off the bench with the score goalless and watched as Erling Haaland scored a late brace to send Norway into the quarter-finals.
Penalty drama and mind games
Norway goalkeeper Nyland tried to unsettle Neymar before the spot-kick, having earlier saved a penalty from Bruno Guimaraes after a contentious VAR review. According to DAZN, Neymar repeatedly asked Nyland 'where do you want it?' before taking the penalty, with Nyland responding: 'I'll stop it for you, I'll stop it.' Neymar calmly slotted past Nyland and then told him: 'Not to me! Not to me!' – implying the keeper should not attempt mind games on a player of his level.
Brazil's elimination and Neymar's reaction
Brazil, one of the tournament favourites, were knocked out by underdogs Norway in the last-16. Neymar, whose place in the squad had been debated, scored from the spot after ex-Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was elbowed while challenging for a header. However, some Brazilian fans criticized Neymar for focusing on goading Nyland instead of retrieving the ball for a late equalizer. One fan posted on X: 'Neymar giving big ones to Nyland, who already saved a penalty this game and has won the game and is heading to the quarter-finals. Embarrassing.'
International retirement and coach's response
Neymar was in tears after the defeat and announced his international retirement, saying: 'I tried again and again. Now, it's over.' Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took over in 2025, said: 'I think we are all extremely sad, because I see that the team has delivered not an exceptional World Cup but a good one. I also think that in today's match we deserved to win. When you go through a moment like this, you have to think that the loss is the beginning of a new adventure, and a new season.'
