Bruno Guimaraes could be set to return to Newcastle United earlier than expected after Brazil suffered a shock World Cup exit. The pre-tournament favourites suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in their quarter-final clash at Education City stadium on Monday.
The hard-fought contest was goalless at the full-time whistle, despite Brazil's domination of the second half. Neymar opened the scoring towards the end of the first period of extra time, rounding Dominik Livakovic after a superb team move.
However, Brazil's joy proved to be short-lived after Bruno Petkovic drew Croatia level four minutes' from time with a deflected strike. The goal meant the place in the semi-finals would be decided by a penalty shootout, and it was the World Cup finalists who booked their place with a 4-2 victory.
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Guimaraes was an unused substitute for the knockout tie, and will leave the tournament having not started a single match for Tite's side. The Magpies midfielder made two cameo appearances, but could not earn a starting spot ahead of Casemior and former Lyon team-mate Lucas Paqueta.
Eddie Howe's side are due to return from a warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia in the coming days, with a home friendly against Rayo Vallecano on December 17. Newcastle return to competitive action in their Carabao Cup tie against Bournemouth on December 21, and they could now welcome Guimaraes back to the fold sooner than anticipated.
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