Carlo Ancelotti may be the highest paid head coach at the 2026 World Cup, but Brazilians won’t care about that one bit if he can secure the Seleção’s sixth title. With a compensation package around $11m, the Italian is under an immense amount of pressure to succeed.
After 45 minutes against Morocco, the 2022 semi-finalists, that success wasn’t looking likely. Brazil were bullied in all areas of the pitch. Yet tactical adjustments saw Brazil settle in the second period, and a hard earned point was banked.
Haiti and Scotland followed and presented contrasting challenges compared to the Atlas Lions. Yet six goals and two clean sheets later, Brazil came out on top of Group C as the winners – and it was all rather comfortable.
Both nations tried to defend with low blocks and offered little in the form of attack. In fact, Scotland held possession in Brazil’s half for just 47 seconds inside the opening 45 minutes. But Brazil’s movement and ability to carve open teams that put bodies behind the ball was impressive. Not everyone can do that, just ask Spain who couldn’t open up Cape Verde successfully once.
Two blocks of four out of possession saw Brazil defend in an organized fashion, yet fluid movement allowed them to hurt teams and full players out of position.
Fluidity
Matheus Cunha has perhaps answered Brazil’s no.9 issue by operating in a deeper role, that allowed him to lay off Lucas Paquetá as Douglas Santos held the width on the left and allowed VinÃcius Júnior to run in behind from a more central role.
And it’s worked. Raphinha’s injury may have actually benefited how Ancelotti wants his players to operate. Bournemouth’s Rayan slotted in more effectively than the Barcelona winger on the right, who doesn’t always want to cut inside and narrow the space, while Endrick’s introduction saw him operate the same role.
All of a sudden, Brazil look comfortable yet dangerous. Even without Eder Militão, Rodrygo and Estêvão, Ancelotti has breathed life back into a nation that looked destined to disappoint after round one.
Haiti and Scotland aren’t on the same level as their first knockout opponents, Japan, but Brazil now have a smooth attacking style that can hurt anyone at this World Cup. All of a sudden, the Blue Samurai will have plenty to think about – let alone knowing how to control golden boot contender VinÃcius Júnior.
Brazil have come a long way in a short period of time, which is credit to the manager and his players for buying into his new approach. However, there are still areas of concern for the Italian to deal with.
Areas to Address
Ancelotti’s reluctance to bench Casemiro could prove costly. Brazil are still a team that can be caught on the transition – especially in the middle of the park – and his lack of pace could be what punishes Brazil at this World Cup.
Manchester United’s new signing Ederson could be the perfect replacement to inject more mobility and pace into Brazil’s midfield. Whether that will happen or not is another question we will have to wait for come Monday afternoon.
The other niggling issue for Brazil are set pieces. Although yet to concede from one, the Selecao have often looked shaky when under pressure. Against a stronger nation later in the tournament, this could be what catches them out.
A Good Workman
But hats off to Ancelotti. A bad workman doesn’t blame his tools and the Italian has found the right formula with the group of players he has available.
VinÃcius Júnior is on fire. Matheus Cunha is leading the line superbly. And of course, Neymar has returned to the pitch after almost three years away.
Brazil may not be guaranteed to beat Japan at the World Cup but they look in a great nick after beating Scotland 3-0. All of a sudden, there’s more than just hope.
