Bruno Guimaraes vows to take penalties again after Brazil World Cup pain
Brazil have arrived in Townsville for their Australia friendlies, with Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes insisting he will take another penalty without hesitation after the pain of the Seleção’s World Cup last-16 exit.
Guimaraes missed from the spot as Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16, a defeat he says remains a raw wound. The 28-year-old, now at Arsenal following his move from Newcastle United, said the squad must respond through performances and wins against the Socceroos.
Guimaraes ready to take responsibility again
- Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the last 16, with Guimaraes’ unsuccessful penalty contributing to the result.
- The midfielder said the aftermath was extremely difficult, describing the experience as a fresh scar which will take time to fade.
- He said defeat can offer the most valuable lessons and vowed not to retreat from responsibility if Brazil are awarded another spot-kick.
- “If there was a penalty tomorrow, I would take it,” Guimaraes said. “I would do it a thousand times if necessary. I am still committed, even though it was a very dark period and I suffered a lot.”
Senior Brazil players take charge of transition
Guimaraes is among the established players guiding a changing Brazil group, with Estevao and Gabriel Bontempo among the younger faces entering the setup.
He made his first senior international squad in 2020 and recalled the support given to him by Brazil’s experienced players at that time. He now sees it as his responsibility to make newcomers feel settled and confident enough to show their best level.
Guimaraes named Gabriel Magalhaes, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Douglas Santos and Marquinhos as players remaining from the previous World Cup group who now have a leadership duty. With several players aged only 18, 19 and 20 in camp, he joked that he feels old at 28.
What happens next
Brazil will use the matches against Australia as a chance to rebuild confidence after their recent setbacks. Guimaraes said the visitors respect the Socceroos, but their principal focus in Queensland is improving their own tactical discipline, mentality and results.
“The fans are hurting after what happened,” he said. “The way to change that is to play well, produce good performances and win games.”
