Ageing Brazil need major surgery – but is Ancelotti the man to do it?
Ageing Brazil Need Major Surgery - But Is Ancelotti the Man to Do It?
Ageing Brazil need major surgery - Brazil's exit from the World Cup was marked by Norway's unexpected victory, thanks to Erling Haaland's decisive goal. The team's struggles were not just a result of bad luck, as they failed to advance beyond the group stage in a manner that defied expectations. This outcome has sparked questions about whether Carlo Ancelotti, the coach appointed to steer Brazil through its current crisis, possesses the vision to revitalize a squad showing signs of decline.
A Troubled History
Four years ago, Brazil was unlucky to be ousted by Croatia in the quarter-finals. A similar fate had befallen them three years prior when they fell to Belgium at the same stage. Now, their early exit has left fans stunned, with the performance against Norway highlighting a stark contrast to their previous World Cup campaigns. The midfield, once Brazil's creative engine, has become a focal point of criticism, as its lack of innovation has led to defensive vulnerabilities.
Under Ancelotti's guidance, Brazil has managed a modest record of 10 wins, three draws, and three losses in 16 games. While this suggests stability, it has not been enough to overcome the team's structural issues. The coach's reliance on Casemiro, a player recalled after 18 months of international inactivity, has exposed weaknesses in Brazil's midfield. Casemiro provided tactical discipline but struggled in open spaces, as seen when Norway's goal was disallowed within the first two minutes.
The Midfield Dilemma
Brazil's midfield woes were compounded by the absence of Lucas Paqueta, who was injured in their previous match against Japan. Ancelotti admitted there was no direct replacement for Paqueta's versatility, opting instead for Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal. This decision shifted the team's attacking strategy toward rapid direct breaks, leaving them exposed in midfield. The lack of depth in the squad, particularly with only five midfielders, has been a recurring issue.
Further complicating matters, the injury to right back Wesley during a warm-up game forced Ancelotti to bring in Ederson, a potential Manchester United transfer. While Ederson's inclusion provided some stability, it underscored the team's need for more balanced recruitment. The coach's tactical choices, though well-intentioned, have not masked the underlying problems, with Norway capitalizing on Brazil's defensive approach.
Neymar's Final Chapter
Neymar's performance has been a key talking point, with his decision to play as a center-forward drawing scrutiny. Despite being injured, the coach prioritized his inclusion, resulting in a tactical shift that pushed Vinicius Jr and Endrick further from the goal. This move allowed Norway to exploit gaps in Brazil's attack, culminating in Haaland's clinical finish. Neymar's goal from the penalty spot was a highlight, but his lack of movement and a wild kick raised questions about his readiness for the role.
"I tried, I tried... now it's over! I started here, I finished here,"
he stated in a poignant reflection, referencing his debut at the same stadium in New Jersey during a 2010 friendly. The emotional toll of the exit was evident as Neymar broke down in tears, signaling the end of an era for the veteran star.
Despite Ancelotti's efforts to restructure, the coaching staff faces blame for not adapting quickly enough. The manager insisted that the team's performance was a result of football's unpredictability, saying: "I think we have done a good job, but this is football and this is sport. You just have to deal with it, deal with the sad."