A Bola identifies World Cup disappointments including Neymar and Ronaldo

Portuguese newspaper A Bola has published a comprehensive list of the biggest disappointments from the FIFA World Cup, categorising players into 11 starters and 12 substitutes. The publication highlights significant underperformance from key figures, including three members of the Brazilian national team and Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian contingent on the list includes Gabriel Magalhães, Neymar, and Raphinha. Gabriel Magalhães is linked to Brazil’s lowest points in the tournament due to defensive errors, specifically being outplayed by Vinícius Saibari against Morocco and Erling Haaland against Norway. The centre-back played in every match but failed to secure possession in decisive duels.

Neymar’s campaign is cited for its brevity and disruption. The playmaker started the tournament injured and played only 14 minutes before taking over the attack in the closing stages of the round of 16 against Norway. During that brief appearance, he scored a goal but was also involved in a heated argument before being eliminated.

Raphinha is noted for poor performances against Morocco and Haiti before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament. The expectation was that he would take on a leadership role for the national team alongside Vinícius, but his output did not meet those standards.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also included on the list, with the publication arguing that his statistical output masked a generally disappointing campaign. The article notes that not even the Portuguese idol was spared from the criticism.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in Portuguese here.