Coach Carlo Ancelotti recognized that Brazil did not have a good debut at the 2026 World Cupdrawing 1-1 with Morocco this Saturday (13), but insisted that the first match does not define success or failure in the tournament.
The Brazilian team started losing at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after a goal from midfielder Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute, but Vinícius Júnior avoided defeat with a beautiful right-footed shot at 32 minutes.
Brazil’s discreet performance, especially in the first half, negatively marked the Italian coach’s World Cup debut and raised concerns about a team that arrived in the United States amid doubts and questions due to its irregular phase.
“We cannot expect the team to be perfect in the first game. The World Cup is not won in the first game,” said Ancelotti, 67, during the post-match press conference.
“I have complete confidence [nos jogadores]. In football, things don’t always go perfectly. When this happens, constructive criticism is necessary. This is just the beginning of the journey,” he added.
‘Carletto’ admitted that the first 45 minutes were difficult, but highlighted an improvement in the second stage.
“The team was anxious, we lost possession of the ball and there was a lack of balance on the field. It was much better in the second half, and we will improve for the next game” against Haiti, on Friday, in Philadelphia, he said with confidence.
“The team fought until the last minute, that’s the positive point. It’s very clear what we need to improve,” he added.
The Italian coach assessed the team’s performance against a strong opponent, a team that reached the semi-finals in the Qatar Cup in 2022 and has renowned players, such as full-back Achraf Hakimi and striker Brahim Díaz.
“When the team doesn’t play well, you have to accept criticism. I believe that the starting line-up was the right one”, said ‘Carletto’, who surprised everyone by choosing defender Ibañez at right-back and Igor Thiago as number 9, leaving Matheus Cunha and Endrick on the bench.
“We need to prepare well for the next game. The objective is to get through the group stage and evolve over time”he concluded, noting that his lineup could change depending on the characteristics of Haiti.
