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Neymar doesn't crack the top 5, and Kaka fails to make the top 10.
Brazil were shockingly dumped out of the World Cup by and Erling Haaland inspired Norway in what was potentially Neymar’s final appearance for the Selecao following a glittering career
Country’s model prioritises joy while offering choice – and Erling Haaland’s World Cup exploits show that it worksAt full time, the arithmetic felt wrong. A team from a country of 5.5 million people, back at a World Cup after 28 years away, had just beaten the five-time champions to reach a first quarter-final.During Norway’s victory over Brazil on Sunday there was little between the fast feet of Vinícius Júnior and the raw power of Erling Haaland. But look at how that pair and others on the two teams were raised and a different story emerges. Neymar, Matheus Cunha and Vinícius grew up in a system that prioritises prodigies – spotting talent early and fast-tracking it through academies built around a single sport. Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa grew up inside something altogether different. Continue reading...
Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup by Norway, with Carlo Ancelotti's side suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to miss out on a blockbuster showdown with England
Carlo Ancelotti and his players have been lambasted for their ‘shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’ World Cup exit The wait for the hexa – the record-extending sixth World Cup – continues. Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Norway in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday means they have gone six tournaments in a row without being crowned champions. Some in Brazil are calling it the reverse hexa.As you would expect, the reaction back home has been scathing. Neto, the former international who is now a pundit on Radio Bandeirantes, laid into the current crop of players. “It’s a generation that won fuck all,” he said. “There are six players who won one Copa América and that’s it. It was embarrassing from the beginning and everything that happened before that game. It was a shameful campaign and these guys are losers. It’s a generation of lies.” Continue reading...
BBC Sport · 19 Aug 2026