"Ancelotti Faces Daunting Challenge as Brazil's New Coach" Arocky Start for the Italian Sovereign
Ancelotti's tenure in Brazil initiates with a sorrowful start
Share on Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link In his inaugural outing as Brazil's national coach, Carlo Ancelotti faced a daunting task, with the decorated Italian tactician failing to guide the record World Cup champions to victory against Ecuador in their opening South American qualifier.
Under Ancelotti, the Seleção struggled, drawing 0-0 in their quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The well-prepared Ecuadorian squad thwarted Brazilian attacks, limiting their opportunities for clear chances. This forgettable start has prompted the Spanish sports newspaper "Marca" to summarize the team as "nothing more than a mere shadow of its former self."
With 22 points from 15 games, Brazil finds themselves perched in fourth place, with the top six teams qualifying automatically, and the seventh-placed team participating in the playoffs. The next challenge awaits against Paraguay, while Ecuador meets Peru in their upcoming encounters.
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Key figure Neymar was sidelined, recovering from injury, but the new coach remains hopeful of his future contributions. The young blood, including 18-year-old sensation Estêvão, was handed a chance to establish themselves in the national team, while old veterans such as Casemiro returned to the fold.
Substantial changes have taken root within the struggling record World Cup winners. After their humiliating 1:4 defeat at the hands of rivals Argentina in their last World Cup qualifier and Dorival Júnior's subsequent departure, Ancelotti assumed the helm[5]. The Italian coach has thus far been unable to showcase his game plan, as the team has had limited opportunity to train.[6]
Post-game, Vinicius Jr. expressed his sentiments: "We've had only a few days of training under Ancelotti, so it's not fair to judge him yet. There are countless factors to consider." "Marca" echoed similar sentiments: "The Brazil team is yet to truly resemble Ancelotti's, and he has his work cut out for him if he wants the Seleção to once again strike fear into their opponents and emerge as genuine contenders for the 2026 World Cup." The Brazilian squad struggled to find creative ways to dial up the pressure and create dangerous scoring opportunities against Ecuador.
References:[1] Ancelotti appointed as Brazil's new head coach[2] Ancelotti departs Real Madrid after final match[3] CBF eager to secure coach for June World Cup qualifiers[4] Brazil's stagnant performance in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup[5] Brazil appoints Ancelotti as new head coach[6] Brazil faces a massive rebuilding effort under Ancelotti
Despite the daunting task at hand, Carlo Ancelotti continues to pursue his game plan with Brazil, echoing the rhythm of "football, football, football" as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The sports landscape remains critical of Brazil's performance under Ancelotti, with "Marca" referring to the team as merely a "shadow of its former self" as they face the upcoming challenge against Paraguay.
