Brazil's 2-1 defeat by Norway in the World Cup last 16 has triggered a fierce backlash at home, with former international Neto branding the squad a 'generation of losers' on Radio Bandeirantes. The loss extends Brazil's wait for a sixth World Cup title to six tournaments, a drought some are calling the 'reverse hexa.'
Scathing Criticism from Pundits
Neto, now a pundit, did not hold back: 'It's a generation that won fuck all. There are six players who won one Copa América and that's it. It was embarrassing from the beginning... It was a shameful campaign and these guys are losers. It's a generation of lies.'
Cahê Mota, writing in Globoesporte, criticized manager Carlo Ancelotti's substitutions, saying they made the team worse: 'The Seleção are out of the World Cup and Ancelotti's plan failed. Brazil bet on a booby-trap game: they gave the ball to Norway and bet on a transition at speed. It worked very little.'
Possession Statistic Embarrassment
Brazil had just 34% possession against Norway, their lowest in a World Cup match since records began in 1966. Mauro Cezar Pereira, a leading pundit, called it 'shameful to see a Brazil team, which for years has relied on marketing ploys like "joga bonito", having a strategy to give the ball to the opponent and only play in transition.' He added that this 'cowardly' style will never be acceptable to Brazilians, and called Ancelotti's work 'embarrassing.'
Neymar's Retirement and Ancelotti's Future
Neymar, who missed a penalty in the first half after coming on as a substitute, has retired from international football with 130 caps and 80 goals. 'I tried,' he said. 'It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over.' His introduction divided fans: admirers believe he would have converted the penalty, while detractors say his presence weakened the team's midfield combativeness, allowing Norway to dominate possession and score.
Ancelotti, who signed a new four-year contract months before the tournament, faces calls to be sacked. The immediate priority is the Copa América in two years, also likely in the US. If Ancelotti fares as badly, he may not see out his £8.5m-a-year deal.
