Brazil’s draw has sparked debate across the football world after a controversial penalty decision saw Estevao step aside and allow Lucas Paquetá to take the crucial second spot-kick — a chance that ultimately went begging.
After the match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the situation directly. He confirmed that the switch was not spontaneous, nor was it driven by pressure from senior players. Instead, it was part of the coaching staff’s pre-determined plan based on training-ground performance and recent data on penalty conversion rates.
Estevao, who had successfully taken the first penalty, followed the instructions given before the match. Paquetá was designated as the second-choice taker — a role he had been preparing for — but his miss proved costly as Brazil failed to secure all three points.
Ancelotti acknowledged the frustration but stood firmly by the decision, emphasizing that penalty rotations are standard practice and that Paquetá had earned the responsibility through his consistency in training.
The outcome, however, has reopened Brazil’s ongoing debate about penalty duties, with many fans insisting Estevao should have taken both spot-kicks. As pressure builds heading into Brazil’s next fixture, Ancelotti now faces renewed scrutiny over how he manages key moments in tight matches.
