Brazil forward Neymar has suggested he may have played his final match for the national team after the five-time champions suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16 on Sunday, according to Reuters.
The 34-year-old striker converted a stoppage-time penalty in the loss but could not prevent Brazil from crashing out of the tournament, extending their wait for a record sixth World Cup title.
Speaking briefly after the match to Brazilian pundit Bruno Formiga on ge tv, Neymar appeared emotional as he reflected on what could be the end of his international career.
“I tried, I tried … Now it’s over! I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said, referring to the stadium in New Jersey where he made his Brazil debut in a friendly against the United States in 2010.
Neymar was later seen in tears following the final whistle, with Brazil recording their worst World Cup performance since 1990.
The defeat marks a major setback for Brazil, who are now set to endure their longest title drought since first winning the tournament, with their next opportunity coming in 2030, 28 years after their last triumph.
If Neymar confirms his retirement from international football, he will end his Brazil career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances, alongside the 2013 Confederations Cup as his only senior trophy with the national team.
The result also sends Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals, while Brazil exit earlier than expected in one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.
