Matheus Cunha: Brazil's FIFA World Cup exit 'most difficult' day of my career

Cunha, who started all but one of Brazil's matches under head coach Carlo Ancelotti and scored three goals in five tournament appearances, won a first-half penalty that could have changed the course of the contest.

However, Bruno Guimaraes was denied from the spot by former Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, leaving the match goalless.

Norway eventually made their breakthrough in the 79th minute when Erling Haaland, who had been largely subdued for much of the evening, found the net.

The striker struck again in the 90th minute, leaving Brazil with almost no chance of forcing extra time and sending Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals.

Neymar, making only his second appearance of the tournament after a lengthy injury lay-off, converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil. The goal proved to be the final international strike of his career, but it was not enough to prevent elimination.

"Without a doubt, today must be the most difficult day of my life - professionally speaking. We had chances we didn’t convert, while they had chances and converted them," said Cunha.

"It's difficult to try and understand everything, but unfortunately that's part of football. There is a lot of sadness in the dressing room - a lot of crying, a lot of pain. The worst thing is that we frustrated a lot of people, and that's what hurts the most."

Brazil also missed out on a quarter-final showdown with England, who advanced after defeating Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium under head coach Thomas Tuchel.