The Brazilian legend criticized Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup choices and questioned why key attacking options were overlooked during the tournament.
Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo Nazário has sharply criticized the decisions that preceded Brazil’s 2 to 1 loss to Norway in the World Cup round of 16.
The defeat ended Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth world title and marked a much earlier exit than many expected from Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Ronaldo said the loss could not be blamed on one missed penalty, one defensive mistake or Erling Haaland’s finishing. In his view, Brazil’s problems began with decisions made by the coaching staff before and during the match.
Ronaldo Questions Ancelotti’s Choices
Ronaldo acknowledged Ancelotti’s status as one of the most successful coaches in soccer history, but said the Brazilian coach made too many mistakes on the night.
He was especially critical of the decision not to include João Pedro in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Ronaldo argued that João Pedro had entered the tournament in strong form and could have offered Brazil a different attacking option against Norway.
He also questioned the limited role given to Endrick.
According to Ronaldo, the young forward brought energy, aggression and unpredictability whenever he entered matches, yet spent most of the tournament on the bench.
Ronaldo suggested those qualities were exactly what Brazil lacked as it struggled to break down Norway’s organized defense.
Vinícius Júnior Also Faces Criticism
Ronaldo did not limit his criticism to the coaching staff. He said Vinícius Júnior failed to perform at the level expected of one of Brazil’s biggest stars.
Although Ronaldo praised Vinícius’ talent and club form, he said the winger never became the dominant figure Brazil needed during the tournament.
Brazil depended on its leading players to make the difference in the knockout stage, but Ronaldo said Vinícius was unable to impose himself consistently.
Norway Earned the Victory
Despite his criticism of Brazil, Ronaldo said Norway deserved to advance.
He praised the Norwegian team for its organization and discipline and said Haaland punished Brazil for its mistakes.
Still, Ronaldo argued that Brazil made Norway’s task easier through poor decisions before the match had fully developed.
At the highest level, he said, one or two errors can end a team’s World Cup campaign. Brazil, in his view, made too many.
The comments carry added weight because Ronaldo helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup and remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s soccer history.
His message was clear: Norway earned its place in the quarterfinals, but Brazil also played a major role in its own elimination.
