Details have emerged regarding the heated exchange between Neymar and Norway goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland during Brazil’s defeat to the European side.
Brazil, a strong contender for the World Cup title, faced elimination in the round of 16 after a 2-1 loss to the underdog, Norway.
Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, netted a late brace, propelling Norway into the quarter-finals at the expense of the most successful team in World Cup history.
Neymar, whose inclusion in the Brazil squad had sparked considerable discussion, entered the match from the bench while the score remained level, only to witness Norway advance to the quarter-finals.
The 34-year-old former Barcelona and PSG winger did manage to score a late consolation goal from the penalty spot after ex-Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was elbowed while contesting a header.
Nyland, the Norwegian goalkeeper, attempted to distract Neymar as he readied to take the penalty, with the two players engaged in a fiery exchange prior to the referee’s whistle.
Nyland appeared to be in high spirits, having previously saved a penalty from Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes following a controversial VAR review.
However, the exchange did not deter Neymar, who calmly converted the penalty past Nyland before approaching his opponent for another brief exchange of words.
DAZN reports that l Neymar repeatedly asked Nyland “where do you want it?” before taking the penalty, with the Norway goalkeeper responding, “I’ll stop it for you, I’ll stop it.”
After scoring from the spot, Neymar was spotted telling Nyland, “Not to me! Not to me!”, essentially telling his rival not to try mind games on a player of his level.