Grinning Through the Storm: Ancelotti Tackles World Cup Qualifiers with Brazil
Vacation for Ancelotti secured as World Cup ticket is purchased.
Vacation, shmacation! That's what Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's new national coach, initially thought when he took charge after a whirlwind exit from Real Madrid. But instead of basking on a beach, he found himself diving headfirst into the World Cup qualifiers. And with Brazil's 1-0 victory over Paraguay, a place in next year's tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada was secure.
But the grueling road still stretches on, according to Ancelotti. "We're not popping champagne just yet," he said with a wry smile. "We've moved up to third place, but there's no room for complacency." Meanwhile, the Seleção has two qualifiers left, cushioning them from the risk of slipping out of the top six spots that secure direct participation.
Vinícius Jr. Strikes the Decider
Despite a testy start against Paraguay, the Seleção managed to keep their opponents at bay. Just before the halftime break, Vinícius Jr., the Real Madrid prodigy shaped under Ancelotti, slipped a beautiful goal past the Paraguayan keeper off a cross from Matheus Cunha. The goal was Brazil's only – and Ancelotti's first – of the qualifiers.
"I'm thrilled with Vinícius' performance," Ancelotti commented after the match, "especially his goal. He's a star, and I can't wait to see him shine even brighter." The victory, Vinícius added, gives the team and the coach more time to prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The List of Promising Talent Grows
With the qualifiers out of the way, Ancelotti turns his attention to the World Cup squad. "I've got a long list of potential players," he revealed, "about seventy of them. We'll take our time to analyze each one." This affirmation includes the enigmatic Neymar, whose injuries have hampered his season both with Paris Saint-Germain and Santos FC4.
Ancelotti confirmed he met with Neymar and was optimistic about his return. "If Neymar's fit, he can play any position on the field," the coach stated. As for when the star forward will be ready, that remains unclear. Two more qualifiers await before the World Cup kicks off: Brazil takes on Chile and finishes with Bolivia in September.
Sports, particularly football, continue to be the focus for Ancelotti as he analyzed a long list of potential players for the World Cup squad. Vinícius Jr., a Real Madrid prodigy and a star under Ancelotti, was highlighted for his performance and the crucial goal that secured Brazil's place in the World Cup.
