Vinicius: I Didn't Dodge the Penalty, It Was the Coach's Decision

Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian winger, clarified why he did not step up to take the penalty missed by his teammate Bruno Guimarães during the match against Norway in the World Cup, emphasizing that the decision was a tactical one made by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Vinicius explained that Ancelotti had predetermined the penalty taker for the national team, indicating that the choice fell on Bruno Guimarães before the match.

He stated: "The coach's decision was for Bruno Guimarães to take the penalty; he decides before the match who will take it, and the choice was Bruno."

He added: "I have never been a selfish player, and my goal was not to become the tournament's top scorer. Bruno takes penalties better than I do, and that's why the coach chose him."

The Real Madrid star responded to the criticism he faced for not taking the penalty, saying: "Some may think I dodged responsibility, but that never happened."

Vinicius concluded his remarks by saying: "When the coach chooses me, I take penalties, just like I do with Real Madrid, and I have never refused to take responsibility at any time."