Vinícius Defends Penalty Decision: 'Never Shy Away from Responsibility'

Vinícius Jr., the forward for the Brazilian national team, addressed criticism regarding his decision not to take a penalty kick during their 2-1 defeat against Norway, a result that saw Brazil eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. He clarified that Bruno Guimarães was considered the best option for the crucial penalty.

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I believe Bruno was the best kicker to take that shot. He trained very well day-to-day, and many will say I didn't want to shoot, but I never shy away from responsibility.

"I believe Bruno was the best kicker to take that shot. He trained very well day-to-day, and many will say I didn't want to shoot, but I never shy away from responsibility," Vinícius stated in the mixed zone at MetLife Stadium. The Real Madrid player emphasized that he does not avoid responsibility and that the decision rested with coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"I take penalties at Real Madrid when necessary, and at the national team too when necessary; I will never run away," Vinícius asserted. "The coach chose him. We all train every day, and he chose Bruno. I always say I've never been vain about wanting to be the competition's top scorer. Unfortunately, he ended up missing."

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I take penalties at Real Madrid when necessary, and at the national team too when necessary; I will never run away.

Vinícius, who concluded his World Cup campaign with four goals and one assist, acknowledged that Norway surprised Brazil with a "very intelligent" game plan. "They were able to put many players behind the ball line. We couldn't find the necessary connection to apply the best pressure, and that ended up making things very difficult for us."

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The coach chose him. We all train every day, and he chose Bruno. I always say I've never been vain about wanting to be the competition's top scorer. Unfortunately, he ended up missing.

"I am sad about our participation in the World Cup. Now we have to lift our heads to try to move forward," Vinícius concluded. He assured that he will work hard to earn his place and represent Brazil again in a future tournament.

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They were able to put many players behind the ball line. We couldn't find the necessary connection to apply the best pressure, and that ended up making things very difficult for us.