The '10' was fifth on Brazil's list and didn't get to take the penalty after Marquinhos' mistake.
Brazilian coach, Tite, defended Neymar for not taking a penalty in the shootout against Croatia, which resulted in the elimination of the five-time champions in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar.
"He was going to take the fifth and decisive penalty, which has the highest pressure, suitable for the player of the highest quality," said Tite, 61, at the press conference after the match played at Education City in Doha.
The '10' scored the 1-0 partial victory goal against the Croatians in extra time (105+1), but forward Bruno Petkovic (117) sent the match to the shootout.
Rodrygo took the first penalty, but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved the shot.
Then Pedro and Casemiro scored, while Marquinhos hit the decisive penalty against the post, giving the victory to the Europeans after their four shooters scored.
The 30-year-old Paris Saint Germain star had a sad farewell, with tears, from his third World Cup participation, after the debacles in Brazil 2014 (7-1 defeat to Germany in the semifinals) and Russia 2018 (2-1 defeat to Belgium in the quarterfinals).
However, Ney still equalized Pelé as the top scorer of the 'Canarinha', with 77 goals. AFP