Brazil coach explains Estêvão-Lucas Paquetá penalty miss drama
LILLE, France – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said he switched penalty takers to ease pressure on teenage winger Estêvão after Lucas Paquetá missed a second-half spot kick in Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Tunisia.
Estêvão, 18, had converted Brazil’s first penalty late in the first half to level the match and appeared set to take the second when the referee pointed to the spot again in the 77th minute. Instead, Ancelotti instructed substitute Paquetá to step up, but the West Ham United midfielder struck his attempt over the bar.
Speaking after the match, Estêvão said he followed the technical staff’s instructions despite wanting to take the penalty himself. “It was an order that came,” he said. “I supported my teammate so he could score. Unfortunately, he missed, but heads up — we have to keep improving because in a World Cup we can’t waste opportunities.”
Ancelotti said the decision was made to protect the Chelsea winger, who joined the Premier League side from Palmeiras in the summer for an initial £29 million. “For the second penalty, I changed the taker because I wanted to take some of the pressure off Estêvão,” Ancelotti said. “Paquetá usually takes them very well.”
Paquetá, who has been a regular penalty option at West Ham, apologised for the miss. “I’m sad. We probably would have won with that penalty,” he said. “My anxiety to score made me decide too early, and that took me away from taking it as I normally do.”
Despite Brazil closing the year without a win, Estêvão highlighted the progress he has made since his move to England. The winger has scored five goals in 11 appearances for the national team and has quickly become a key attacking option under Ancelotti. “It’s been a very special year,” he said. “Being here with the national team means the work at my club and at home is being done well.”
The draw ends Brazil’s final international window before preparations intensify for next year’s competitive fixtures, with Ancelotti continuing to fine-tune his squad and establish hierarchy in set-piece situations.