After 2-1 in the initial stage, at Maracanã, Ancelotti’s team scored 6-2 in Panama
The test against the weak Panama team, which is in the World Cup, showed Ancelotti that he must pay more attention to the midfield. Still without the starting defense, which played in the Champions League final on Saturday, the coach started playing with Alisson; Wesley, Brehmer, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro; Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Vini Jr. and Raphinha. After a lightning goal from Vini Jr., the team conceded the opponent’s equalizer and still struggled. The national team was slow, missed passes and appeared vulnerable. Casemiro’s headed goal made it 2-1 before half-time.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti made ten changes before the second half began, including replacing the insecure Alisson with Éderson. The team came back with a different face and built the victory thanks to individual values. Rayan, Paquetá, Igor Thiago and Danilo Santos rocked the opposing nets to the delight of 72 thousand fans present at Maracanã. The Brazilian team coach must have learned lessons from the match. Paquetá provided good movement in the midfield, which was lacking in the first half. Not that he should be the starter, but Ancelotti could review the concept of just two men in the sector, depending on the opponent in the World Cup. I repeat: the first half did not live up to expectations. Igor Thiago also stood out, he is well prepared physically and could be decisive in a long and hard-fought World Cup.
This Monday night, the team leaves for the United States and will begin preparations, with all the players already called up. On Saturday, the team faces Egypt, in Cleveland, in the last friendly before the debut, on June 13, against Morocco.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
