Marquinhos had NEVER taken a penalty before he lost Brazil the World Cup quarter-final against Croatia

By
published

Marquinhos stepped up for the fourth spot-kick for Brazil against Croatia… despite never having taken one before

Croatia players celebrate their win via a penalty shootout as Marquinhos of Brazil react during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
(Image credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Marquinhos is the unfortunate David Batty character at the centre of Brazil's disastrous quarter-final defeat to Croatia at World Cup 2022. A man that Jermaine Jenas claimed he was so sure would deliver when he stepped up for the fourth spot-kick.

Perhaps it might come as a surprise, then, to know that the Paris Saint-Germain captain and otherwise dependable rock at the centre of the Brazilian defence has never before taken a penalty in senior football. Oh, Marqy. 

It came as some surprise to see Marquinhos make the long, lonely walk up to the penalty area, anyway – especially before club-mate Neymar. Brazil elected to leave their glittering talisman as fifth-choice in the shootout and it came back to bite hard, with the No.10 weeping in the centre circle as Marquinhos dropped to his knees. 

First up in the shootout, Real Madrid star Rodrygo, had only taken three penalties prior in his fledgling career but had scored them all before his untimely miss against Dominic Livakovic. Then came Casemiro – who like Marquinhos, had never taken one before. Luckily for the Manchester United cruncher, he converted. Pedro of Flamengo came next with a mixed career record of scored five, missed three, over the years. 

Curiously, Marquinhos' former PSG team-mate and central defensive partner, Thiago Silva, has never missed from 12 yards. Admittedly, his limited history has only presented three opportunities – but nonetheless, he has a flawless record. 

Neymar, meanwhile – who equalled Pele's all-time scoring record against Croatia during extra-time – has scored 74 in his career and missed 15. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.