“It’s a Shame” – Neymar Faces Backlash After Taunting and Shoving Martin Ødegaard Unprovoked Following Brazil’s World Cup Exit

In half an hour of game time in the second half, Neymar scored a penalty and then shoved Martin Ødegaard in the back.


“It’s a Shame” – Neymar Faces Backlash After Taunting and Shoving Martin Ødegaard Unprovoked Following Brazil’s World Cup Exit

Neymar elbows Norway captain Martin Ødegaard (Image via Sky Sports/X)

Neymar’s attitude has come under criticism over the years. The world witnessed another unsavory moment from the Brazilian superstar during their Round of 32 game against Norway on Sunday.

The referee awarded Brazil a penalty after Norway defender Leo Østigård fouled Casemiro inside the box. Neymar stepped up and scored the penalty.

Shortly after scoring the goal, cameras caught Neymar shoving Norway captain Martin Ødegaard in the back with his elbow.

Fans react to Neymar misbehaving with Martin Ødegaard

Brazil began as the slight favorites to defeat their European counterpart and advance to the next round. They only needed to contain Norway’s star striker, Erling Haaland, a feat easier said than done.

"It's a Shame" - Neymar Faces Backlash After Taunting and Shoving Martin Ødegaard Unprovoked Following Brazil's World Cup Exit
Neymar (Image via Sky Sports)

Both teams missed chances to take the lead, but the first half ended goalless. Carlo Ancelotti sent on Endrick, Neymar, Danilo and Ederson to make a difference. However, the Norwegians struck first.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 79th minute with a header and then increased Norway’s lead in the 90th minute with a vicious left-footed strike just outside the box, giving Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker no chance.

The referee awarded the Selecao a penalty in the seventh minute of added time. Neymar scored and elbowed Ødegaard after trash-talking Norway GK Ørjan Nyland.

Fans called Neymar out for losing his head.

The game ended in a 2-1 victory for Norway, who will now play England in the next round. After the final whistle, Neymar sought out Ødegaard and reconciled.

Neymar retires

Brazil once again failed to emulate their 2002 WC triumph. In the following seven WCs, the five-time champions have been knocked out in the quarter-finals four times, in the round of 32 once, and only made it to the fourth-place game on home soil in 2014 (lost to the Netherlands).

After Sunday’s defeat, Neymar was seen crying in the middle of the field. Minutes later, Fabriziano Romano reported that Neymar, 34, is retiring from international football.

Neymar played his first game for the Brazil senior team in 2010 at the age of 18. He represented his nation 130 times and scored 80 goals (all-time Brazil scoring leader, three more than the legendary Pelé).

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