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World Cup

Neymar should have taken Brazil's first penalty - Fans react as Croatia progress in World Cup

Joel Omotto
07:23 GMT 10/12/2022
Neymar.
The supporters feel the Paris Saint-Germain forward should have stepped up to the spot ahead of the rest for the Samba Boys

Fans in Africa have blamed Brazil coach Tite for not making Neymar take the first penalty following their shootout loss to Croatia on Friday.

The two teams had drawn 1-1 after extra-time, forcing the game into post-match penalties, with youngster Rodrygo taking the first penalty for Brazil and missing before Marquinhos hit the post while Croatia slotted in all their spot-kicks to sail through to the semi-finals.

Supporters lauded Neymar for his goal which saw him move level with Brazil great Pele on the all-time international scorers list with 77.

Editors' Picks

  • Neymar.

    Neymar wanted all the glory

    He waited to take the decisive penalty so that he receives all the praises. Unfortunately, Marquinhos knew this trick and would never let that happen. Neymar very petty player who likes falling for attention. -Peter Kimz Mungai

    He was waiting for a hero moment but the Croatian goalkeeper took all the heroics. -Joshua Nolawi

  • Neymar.

    Neymar should have gone first

    He wanted to be the last and take the shine, not brave. He should have gone first to encourage the rest. -Rossi Prince

  • Brazil fans.

    It’s never over until it’s over

    They believe they've won the match already. It is not over until it is over. Congratulations Croatia! Congratulations [Luka] Modric the brilliant old man. -Abiodun Olugboji Xavi

  • Marquinhos.

    Best players should take first penalty

    Reminds me of [Mohammed] Salah in Afcon final against Senegal. He wanted the last penalty but ended up not taking a penalty. It's important to have your best penalty takers going first. -Baba Sikaonga

  • Brazil coach Tite.

    Poor decisions from Tite

    I see no wisdom or coaching expertise in asking Rodrygo to take the first penalty while [Thiago] Silva, Neymar and Casemiro were on the pitch. In addition, why didn't [Gabriel] Martenelli replace Richarlison instead of Pedro? After scoring, why change of plan? Why defend, why not hold and attack for the next 15 minutes? The coach cost Brazil this match. -Abubakar Abdurrahman

  • Neymar.

    Neymar better than Mbappe

    Neymar three times better than [Kylian] Mbappe. Put some respect on his name. - Zuper Siciid Dhiif

  • Croatia celebrate.

    Croatia showed beauty of football

    A country with four million people Vs a footballing nation of 200 million people. This game is beautiful. -Joshua Nolawi

  • Luka Modric celebrates.

    Brazil had not been tested yet

    Truly speaking since the very beginning of this World Cup, Brazil were yet to a face a team that will take them to the edges. As soon as I saw they were going to face Croatia, I knew that moment had come. A top team and then boooom, the very overrated Brazil got knocked out. One thing this World Cup has taught us the concept of not belittling teams. -Sammy Samidoh Schweinsteiger

  • Neymar.

    Only Ronaldo better than Neymar

    Can we all finally agree that Neymar is the second best player after Cristiano Ronaldo? -Shikwe Rosina

  • Pele

    Pele had trophies

    I am sure Pele has trophies to back his goals. In any case, the milestone is well noted. -Louis Hill

    Congrats to Neymar. The only difference is that Pele has the World Cup trophies to display. -Mike Juma

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