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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.— The scenes were hard to watch inside MetLife Stadium on Sunday as Brazilian fans were seen in tears towards the end of the match, many leaving early in a sign of complete resignation.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.The 2-1 defeat against Norway marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since a round of 16 knockout in 1990.
The players were seemingly just as despondent.Despite scoring the only goal for his team, Neymar Jr., the 34-year-old legend, was visibly distraught at the end of what is likely his final World Cup.
Endrick, too, was emotional.He fell to his knees after the final whistle, prompting his teammates to walk over to console the 19-year-old forward.
This was essentially a home match for Brazil, whose supporters made up about 80% of the stands as opposed to the small sections of Norwegian fans.It is no surprise to see the neon yellow swallowing the pockets of red jerseys, though.
Not only do Brazilian fans love to travel to support their national team, but New Jersey is home to one of the largest Brazilian diasporas in the country.Endrick of Brazil during the match against Norway in East Rutherford, N.J.
on Saturday.Jose Breton / NurPhoto via Getty ImagesHead coach Carlo Ancelotti had much to answer for after the match, telling reporters that it was clear the team needs to find new ideas going forward.“Obviously, everyone is profoundly disappointed given what happened,” Ancelotti said.
“We didn’t have a spectacular World Cup campaign, but we did a good one.” But Ancelotti will have to swallow the “bitter taste of defeat” in the meantime, he says.For decades, Brazil has given fans one of the most thrilling styles of play — especially in high-stakes tournaments such as the World Cup.
But the nation’s summer has been an utter slog, lacking the identity and joy on the pitch that spectators have come to expect.The first 45-minutes of th...