Carlo Ancelotti revealed this Saturday (6), after Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Egypt in Cleveland, that he already has the squad defined for his debut in the World Cup, next Saturday (13), against Morocco, in East Rutherford. “I have a starting lineup to play against Morocco,” said the Italian coach.
The friendly did not change what he already had in mind. When asked at a press conference if he left with more certainties or doubts, he was direct: “More certainties. It was a very good game.”
The only concern is Wesley, who left the field in the first stage with pain in his left groin. “It’s a shame about the injury, but we have players who can replace him,” said Ancelotti. The coach said he is still waiting for the player’s test results, which should be done this Sunday.
Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are confirmed for the debut game, even with some mistakes made in today’s game. The defender missed Egypt’s goal this Saturday, but the coach did not shake his confidence. He defended them by stating that they both played until the Champions League final and will be better integrated for the next games.
Ancelotti also praised Endrick’s characteristics without confirming ownership. “He’s very powerful, very well positioned in the area. All the players are important, with different characteristics. Matheus doesn’t finish like Endrick, but he’s very important for building the game”, he said, balancing the dispute between the two.
In the friendly in Cleveland, the victory followed the pattern that has marked the Ancelotti era: intense pressure on the attacking field to steal the ball close to the opponent’s area. The first goal came in the 7th minute, when Bruno Guimarães took advantage of Lashin’s hesitation and finished in the left corner.
The Egyptian equalizer came from Brazil’s own error — a disastrous retreat by Marquinhos that left Ziko face to face with Alisson. The second Brazilian goal, 7 minutes into the second half, came from a precise touch from Raphinha to Endrick, who finished in the left corner.
At the turn of the second half, Ancelotti repeated the script from the friendly against Panama and changed almost the entire team. In the first half, Igor Thiago wasted two clear chances in front of goalkeeper Shobeir, who also made good saves from shots from Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
Brazil debuts in the World Cup next Saturday against Morocco and will also face Haiti, on the 19th, in Philadelphia, and Scotland, on the 24th, in Miami Gardens, in Group C.
