NBA star Trae Young has questioned one of Brazil’s key decisions during their World Cup round of 16 match.
Brazil have now exited the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Norway at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Erling Haaland scored a stunning brace to send Norway through, as Neymar Jr’s late penalty was only a consolation.
However, the result could have been entirely different if Bruno Guimaraes had converted his first-half penalty.
As thousands watching would have also thought, Young questioned why Guimaraes was Brazil’s penalty-taker.
Why an NBA star criticised Brazil’s penalty decision against Norway
Raphinha is Brazil’s first-choice penalty-taker, but he missed the Norway game with a hamstring injury.
Many would have expected Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior to be next in line, but Bruno Guimaraes had the responsibility.
Guimaraes stepped up to take a penalty against Norway, but after a stuttered run-up, his spot-kick was saved.
Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland dived to his left and saved Guimaraes’ tame effort, which was at a good height for him.
Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young then took to social media to say that Vini Jr should have taken the penalty instead.
Vini Jr appeared the best candidate to shoulder that responsibility, but Carlo Ancelotti clearly thought otherwise.
Had Brazil taken the lead in the first half, they could have approached the game differently and seen it out.
Perhaps they will live to regret not handing the penalty to their best player, even though his record is not great.
Vini Jr has missed two of his three penalties for Brazil, and six of his 19 for club and country in his career.
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