Brazil's World Cup woes deepen after Norway loss
Brazil's campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to Norway, extending the nation's streak of early World Cup exits to six consecutive tournaments, the worst performance since 1990.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes squandered a penalty early in the first half, while a gilt‑edge chance by teenage sensation Endrick also fell waste, leaving Brazil scrambling for a response.
Norway's star striker Erling Haaland capitalised on the missed opportunities, netting twice in the second half to seal a 2-1 victory.
The result has reignited scrutiny of manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose defensive tactics were labelled overly cautious by pundits and former players alike.
Contract renewal fuels controversy
Despite the criticism, the Brazilian Football Confederation renewed Ancelotti's contract in May, a move that many fans view as a vote of confidence that ignores the tactical shortcomings on display.
Sports analyst Patricia Ramalho warned that the board's decision could undermine player morale and tactical development, while commentator Renan Moreira called for a more progressive approach.
Bruno Rangel, another veteran analyst, added that the team's creative spark was stifled by an overly defensive setup, a factor that may have contributed to the narrow loss.
With the World Cup now a distant memory, Brazil must decide whether to stick with Ancelotti or seek a fresh tactical identity before the next qualifying cycle.