Against Tunisia, Brazil came in as easy favorites but left with a draw. There are many reasons why one moment sticks out way above the rest. In the 77th minute, Brazil earned a penalty kick. Winger Estêvão had already converted one earlier, but he followed orders and gave it to Lucas Paquetá.
Who Missed
Brazil never made up for that mistake, leading to a 1-1 draw with the African nation, which currently finds itself under a series of protests. Some politicians are even going on hunger strikes against what many call an “authoritarian regime” under President Kais Saied.
This turmoil makes it a huge win for the nation ranked 43rd in the world, but more devastating for a Brazilian team coming off a win against Senegal.
The Brazil Penalty Drama
In the 77th minute, the five-time World Cup champions earned a second penalty 33 minutes after young, promising 18-year-old winger Estêvão converted the second penalty kick into a goal.
Brazil had dominated the game in most ways, having way more possession and shots plus corners than Tunisia. But it didn’t result in them being ahead; instead, the match was 1-1 in the dying minutes.
Most people assumed that the promising young winger who scored the first penalty would attempt the second one. It shocked many when 28-year-old veteran Lucas Paquetá, who plays for West Ham, stepped up.
What Brazil Had To Say About the Drama
“It was an order that came,” Estêvão said. “I really wanted to take the spot kick, but the order came in. I supported my teammate so he could score the goal. Unfortunately, he missed, but heads held high, we have to train and improve because in a World Cup we have to take advantage of these opportunities.”
He took the media-friendly route but was honest enough to show how much he wants to be the man for his country. It also reflects the frustration many Brazilian fans and citizens had after the match.
This left many waiting for what famous and highly accomplished Italian Manager Carlo Ancelotti would say. “For the second penalty, I changed the penalty taker because I wanted to take some of the pressure off Estêvão, so I put Paquetá in, who usually takes them very well,” Ancelotti said after the game.
Not putting so much pressure on the youngster is, in many ways, a smart thing to do and good for his confidence and mental health moving forward. But he did pass the blame to Lucas Paquetá. What did he have to say for himself?
“I apologize for the missed penalty,” he said. “I’m sad. We probably would have won with that penalty. I’m very used to scoring at my club; I have great successes. Unfortunately, my anxiety to score made me make a decision before that final touch, so I think that’s what took me away from taking the penalty as I usually do, and I ended up not converting it.
“I’ll try to put myself in those circumstances to improve in that sense, to convert in the next opportunity and help the team.”
What This Means For Brazil’s Future
While Paquetá took responsibility for what he could, with Brazil having twenty-one shots but only three on target, it is what cost them the win. Brazil has looked much more organized and creative under the Italian. But if Brazil can’t finish better, all that creativity will come to nothing come WC time.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
