Vinicius Junior has apologised to Brazilian supporters for the “enormous frustration” caused by the national team’s shock World Cup exit to Norway, promising to fight to restore the Selecao to the top of world football.
Brazil, five time world champions, were eliminated in a stunning 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 16 on 6 July. Writing in an Instagram message to fans on 11 July, the Real Madrid forward reflected on the scale of his own disappointment. “I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, how much I wanted the World Cup for you, for my family,” Vinicius said. “The feeling of frustration is enormous. We had a squad strong enough to do more, and we didn’t achieve it. I apologise and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world.”
The message was accompanied by a black and white photograph showing Vinicius lying on the pitch in the immediate aftermath of the defeat to Norway. The 25 year old finished the tournament with four goals and one assist, having been one of Brazil’s standout performers throughout the campaign.
Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002, a drought now stretching well beyond two decades. Despite the disappointment of this summer’s early exit, national teams coordinator Rodrigo Caetano has reaffirmed his confidence in Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti to lead the side forward.
