Brazil coach Tite has defended his decision to select Neymar as fifth penalty taker in his side’s loss to Croatia.
The Selecao got knocked out by the European nation after a both teams had scored in extra-time, with Neymar giving his side the lead in the 105th minute.
However, while many thought Brazil had booked their spot in the semi-finals, Croatia struck back in the 117th minute when a deflected shot by Bruno Petkovic shocked the South Americans.
Croatia then beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties, with Rodrygo and Marquinhos missing for Brazil, while all Croatians converted ice-cold.
As a consequence, Neymar – Brazil’s fifth penalty taker – did not even get to take a spot-kick. The decision caused a backlash towards Tite and Neymar, but the Brazil coach defended his decision.
“The fifth penalty is the decisive one and is the most pressured,” he said after the match, as per The Athletic.
“The player who is most mentally prepared for that should take the last penalty kick.”
In the same press conference Tite stepped down as Selecao coach, saying it is time for a “new cycle” after being in charge since June 2016.
