Brazil is out of the World Cup and the fallout has already started. Romario, the 1994 World Cup winner and one of the country’s all-time greats, went straight at Endrick after the teenager’s costly miss in the Round of 16 loss to Norway. And he didn’t sugarcoat it.
“I like Endrick. He is going to be a player who will bring us a lot of joy,” Romario said. “But against Norway, he was terrible.”
The moment that turned the game came in the second half. Vinicius Jr. sent a perfect cross into the box for Endrick. It was the kind of chance strikers dream about. Instead of burying it, Endrick took a heavy touch, lost control of the ball, and the opportunity vanished. Norway held on and Brazil went home.
Romario was asked if criticism should be softened because Endrick is only 20 years old. He wasn’t having it.
“Then people say, ‘ah, but Endrick is young.’ F*ck that, f*ck if he is young! He has to score that goal. Young, middle-aged, old, f*ck it.”
Expectations vs. reality
Endrick arrived at this World Cup carrying massive expectations. A lot of fans wanted Carlo Ancelotti to hand him a starring role for Brazil. The talent is real. The potential is obvious. But knockout football doesn’t care about potential.
Against Norway, Endrick looked out of sync. His first touch was off. His confidence seemed shaky. He couldn’t get into the game. Brazil’s attack stalled and he couldn’t provide the spark everyone hoped for. The missed chance from Vinicius just turned the microscope on everything else that went wrong.
For long stretches, Endrick couldn’t impose himself. No sharp movement. No creative passes. Not the kind of performance you need from your center forward in a single-elimination game.
This isn’t the end for Endrick. He’ll play for Real Madrid next season and his career is just getting started. Romario even said he still believes the kid will bring joy to Brazil. But in that moment against Norway, the legend saw a player who wasn’t ready yet. And he said so.
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