Ancelotti Explains Why Bruno Guimarães, Not Vinícius Jr, Took Brazil’s Crucial Penalty

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision to hand Bruno Guimarães the first-half penalty over star forward Vinícius Jr during their 2-1 World Cup exit to Norway. Ancelotti revealed the coaching staff used data to rank spot-kick takers: first Raphinha, then Neymar, Igor Thiago, Bruno Guimarães and Martinelli. Guimarães was deemed “best on the pitch” but saw his attempt saved by Norway keeper Ørjan Nyland. Later, Neymar stepped up in the 100th minute to score Brazil’s lone goal. Guimarães’ miss was the first Brazilian spot-kick failure in open play at a World Cup since Zico in 1986. Norway now faces England or Mexico in the quarter-finals.

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