Brazil records worst World Cup performance in 36 years, president slams team: "Shameful, only one player returned on the plane after elimination"

On July 14, Beijing time, Brazilian President Lula strongly rebuked the national men's football team while visiting the Mauá Technical College in São Paulo. He criticized the players, noting that just one individual had the courage to come back on the chartered plane and meet the country's supporters, labeling it "truly disgraceful."

Eight days ago, Brazil was upset 2-1 by Norway in the World Cup round of 16, missing out on a spot in the quarterfinals and marking the nation's poorest World Cup showing in 36 years.

Perhaps too ashamed to face their hometown fans, most Brazilian stars chose not to return with the team after elimination, instead heading off on separate vacations. Only Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos, who plays in the domestic league, accompanied the squad back to Brazil.

Regarding the Brazilian players' performance in this World Cup and their reluctance to return home after the loss, Lula angrily remarked: "They went with a huge crowd, but the plane came back almost empty—hardly anyone on the charter. How embarrassing! If they had won, everyone would be dancing here by now."

Lula also used a robot at the event to mock Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who immediately went on vacation with his family after elimination: "I saw a robot over there—send a message to Ancelotti. You remember who Ancelotti is, right? He's our national team coach."

"This young man built a robot that's very aggressive, looking like Mbappé, also like Haaland. So tell Ancelotti: if he wants a new signing, hire this robot—it will definitely help Brazil win the World Cup."

As the highest-paid coach among the 48 teams in this World Cup, Ancelotti earns a hefty annual salary of €10 million with Brazil, yet his team's exit in the round of 16 was undoubtedly far below expectations.

However, the Brazilian Football Confederation has confirmed that Ancelotti will continue to lead the team into the next World Cup cycle.