Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer after World Cup exit
'It's over now. I started here, and I ended here.'
Daily Tribune'It's over now. I started here, and I ended here.'
NEYMAR wipes off his tears after Brazil suffered a 1-2 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JUSTIN SETTERFIELD/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, Neymar Jr., has ended his international career with 80 goals in 130 appearances for the national team.
Neymar scored his final goal for Brazil from the penalty spot in stoppage time during the Seleção’s 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
The former FC Barcelona star announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s elimination. Coincidentally, his final World Cup match was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue where he made his senior national team debut in 2010.
Brazil’s midfield and defense struggled to contain Norway, which controlled possession for long stretches of the match. The attack also failed to convert key opportunities, including a missed chance by Endrick.
Earlier in the match, Brazil was awarded a penalty, but Vinícius Júnior handed the spot kick to Bruno Guimarães. The midfielder’s effort was saved by the Norwegian goalkeeper.
Norway took the lead through Erling Haaland, who headed the ball past Brazilian defender Gabriel. Haaland later added a second goal in the 90th minute, firing a low shot through the legs of defender Danilo to seal the victory.
Norway advanced to the quarterfinals, where it will face England.
