Neymar announces international retirement after Brazil World Cup exit
Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s World Cup last-16 defeat to Norway. The 34-year-old made the announcement after Brazil’s hopes of securing a World Cup title were ended by a Norway team inspired by Erling Haaland. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., saw Neymar score a stoppage-time penalty, his 80th goal for Brazil, which was his first international goal in nearly three years, but it ultimately served as a consolation.
The defeat marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since a round of 16 knockout in 1990. Fans at MetLife Stadium, many of whom were part of the large Brazilian diaspora in New Jersey, were visibly distraught, with some leaving early. Neymar, emotional after the final whistle, confirmed his decision to a Brazilian broadcaster, stating, “I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.”
A Career of Highs and Disappointments
Neymar’s international career, which began as an 18-year-old, concludes without a World Cup winner’s medal, the prize he reportedly desired most. Despite becoming Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, his journey with the national team was marked by both individual brilliance and collective disappointment on the biggest stage. In 2014, he scored four goals before a fractured vertebra against Colombia ended his tournament, leading him to witness Brazil’s 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany from the sidelines.
His club career saw success, including a treble with Barcelona that included the UEFA Champions League. He also captained Brazil to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games. However, World Cup disappointment continued, with Brazil being eliminated by Belgium in the 2018 quarter-finals and by Croatia on penalties in 2022, despite Neymar scoring in extra time.
Persistent injuries, including a serious ACL injury in 2023, impacted his influence in the later stages of his international career. He did return for what proved to be his final World Cup campaign. Brazil navigated a difficult qualification period and progressed through the group stage unbeaten, surviving a scare against Japan in the last 32 before facing Norway.
The Final Match Against Norway
The match against Norway proved challenging for Brazil. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the team’s need for new ideas after the 2-1 defeat. He described the feeling as “profoundly disappointed” and noted that while the World Cup campaign wasn’t spectacular, it was “good.” Ancelotti also mentioned the “bitter taste of defeat” that he would have to contend with.
The first half saw Brazil struggle to create and convert chances. Vinícius Júnior, a key player, was reportedly muted. A penalty kick in the first half, taken by Bruno Guimarães instead of Vinícius Júnior, was saved by Norway’s goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. Nyland later stated that the early save boosted his confidence and the team’s performance. Ancelotti defended his decision regarding the penalty taker, citing statistics about the best penalty kickers.
In the second half, Norway increased their attacking pressure. Ancelotti brought on 19-year-old forward Endrick in the 58th minute, who made an immediate impact, though his shot went wide. Neymar entered the match approximately 10 minutes after Endrick, aiming to bolster the offense. However, Erling Haaland’s header in the 79th minute and a one-touch goal in the 90th minute secured Norway’s victory.
Ancelotti reflected on the match, suggesting that Brazil’s midfield is an area that needs attention. He indicated a need for new talent and high-level players to join the national team in the future. Despite the tough energy in the locker room, Ancelotti expressed that the team would use the defeat as “fuel for the new … new cycle moving forward.” Neymar retires with Olympic gold and the 2013 Confederations Cup as his major honours with the senior national team.
Source: ca.sports.yahoo.com
