Neymar Hints at Brazil Exit After Norway Ends Selecao's World Cup Dream

Sports Desk

NEW JERSEY: Brazil's FIFA World Cup campaign came to a painful end as Norway produced a stunning 2-1 victory in the Round of 16, prompting veteran forward Neymar to suggest his international career may have reached its conclusion.

Norway captain Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages to send his side into the quarter-finals, while Neymar's stoppage-time penalty only reduced the deficit and could not prevent Brazil's earliest World Cup elimination since 1990.

After the final whistle, an emotional Neymar hinted that the match might have been his last in Brazil's famous yellow shirt. "I tried, I tried... Now it's over. I started here, I finished here," the 34-year-old said, recalling that he made his senior Brazil debut at the same New Jersey venue in 2010.

The veteran attacker appeared visibly emotional as Brazil's hopes of winning a record-extending sixth World Cup title came to an abrupt end.

Neymar and Nyland Exchange Words During Penalty Drama

One of the match's most talked-about moments came in stoppage time when Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland attempted to distract Neymar before the penalty was taken.

According to videos circulating online, Nyland tried to unsettle the Brazilian with verbal taunts before the kick. Neymar responded confidently, converted the penalty, and then turned toward the goalkeeper with a brief celebratory remark, saying, "Not to me!"

Despite the successful spot kick, Brazil had already been left with too much to do after Haaland's decisive goals. Nyland also enjoyed an outstanding performance throughout the match, including an earlier penalty save from Bruno Guimarães, helping Norway secure one of the biggest victories in its football history.

An Emotional End to a Historic International Career?

Neymar returned to Brazil's squad for the tournament after a lengthy absence caused by injuries, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti placing his faith in the experienced forward.

If his post-match comments prove to be a retirement announcement, Neymar will finish his international career with an extraordinary record of 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances for Brazil.

Although he won numerous domestic and continental honours during his club career, his only major senior title with Brazil remains the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Brazil's defeat also extends the nation's wait for another World Cup triumph. By the time the 2030 tournament begins, the five-time champions will have gone 28 years without lifting football's biggest trophy, their longest title drought since winning their first World Cup.