Ancelotti's first match with Brazil concludes in a draw against Ecuador.
3 min. adrenaline rush: The curtain rose on Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as Brazil's coach in a Thursday nail-biter against Ecuador, but it wasn't enough to clinch a win in a dull encounter. The Canarinha drew 0-0 at Guayaquil's Monumental Stadium, a far cry from the dazzling performances the five-time World Cup champs used to dazzle with.
Ancelotti kicked off his debut with a Real Madrid-inspired tactic: a tough, organized defense, intense pressure, and direct, ambitious play. But as the minutes ticked away, Brazil lost grip of the game, playing second fiddle to an Ecuador side that lacked attacking finesse due to Enner Valencia's injury, their only real goal threat.
From the get-go, Ancelotti paced the sidelines, barely taking a breather, carefully orchestrating a match that started strong for Brazil, keeping any surprise attacks from the home team at bay.
But the Brazilians barely troubled Ecuador's best defense in the qualifiers, having conceded only five goals in fifteen games. Their attacks were feeble, with just two clear shots, one a close-range effort by Vinicius Junior and the other a long-range attempt by Casemiro that lacked power.
The day prior, Ancelotti had hinted he expected nothing less than the best from Vinicius - the form he showcases on breathtaking nights at the Santiago Bernabeu. And against Ecuador, the Real Madrid prodigy delivered, standing out amidst a lukewarm attacking performance.
Palmeiras' up-and-coming winger Estevao made his senior national team debut without feeling the weight of the Verdeamarela, showing great chemistry with Richarlison and Vini. Estevao's tenacity set up Vinicius' only chance of the game.
A change in formation and personnel marked the second half, with Ancelotti introducing Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli to inject energy into the lineup. Yet it was Richarlison, whom Ancelotti had coached at Tottenham Hotspur, who seemed most disheartened by the changes. After the game, Ancelotti praised both players for their defensive commitment.
In the end, Brazil settled for a draw against Ecuador, a manageable result in Ancelotti's maiden match. post-game press conference, a content Ancelotti called the draw "very special," promising to work on improving their attack, stating, "It's a good point, now we need to win against Paraguay."
Ancelotti's debut, while not a win, heralds a tough, organized approach for his tenure, aiming to blend Brazil's attacking finesse with a solid defensive wall. The real test came shortly after, with a Paraguay home fixture - a chance for Ancelotti to strike his first win and impress his growing fanbase.
In the upcoming Paraguay home fixture, Ancelotti aims to strike his first win and impress his growing fanbase, as he continues to blend Brazil's attacking finesse with a solid defensive approach, following his debut in the European-leagues-inspired style. Despite a draw against Ecuador, Ancelotti's strategic move, as cited by the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, signals Brazil's determination to reclaim the top spot in football.
