A wave of faith in coach Carlo Ancelotti has swept through Brazil, amplified by social media memes celebrating his tactical acumen. This sentiment surged after a dramatic 2-1 World Cup knockout victory against Japan, a game where veteran midfielder Casemiro, initially criticized, scored the equalizer before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win late in stoppage time. This marked Brazil's first World Cup knockout win when conceding first since their 2002 triumph.
Ancelotti, 67, described the performance as "more complete" and acknowledged the "suffering" and "evolution" of the team, contrasting it favorably with their first-half performance against Morocco. For many Brazilian fans, the immediate priority is winning the World Cup, especially given the growing drought since their last title in 2002. The current team's pragmatic approach, focused on winning, is gaining traction, akin to Arsenal's determined pursuit of the Premier League title. Ancelotti's tactical adjustments and substitutions, like bringing on match-winner Martinelli, are seen as key to transforming a talented squad into champions.
However, this more functional Brazil under Ancelotti also sparks debate. Some observers note a departure from the free-flowing, individual flair traditionally associated with Brazilian football, the "Jogo Bonito." The team is described as hardworking and possessing exceptional players, but lacking the distinctive individual brilliance of past eras like the Pelé, Zico, or 2002 championship teams.
European Influence and Evolving Talent
The modern game sees an accelerating trend of young Brazilian talent moving to Europe at increasingly younger ages. Out of Ancelotti's starting lineup against Japan, only Bruno Guimaraes, who moved to Europe at 22, did not play in Europe before that age. Young stars like Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, and Rodrygo all made their transatlantic moves as teenagers. This exodus, driven by lucrative European club deals and facilitated by a weaker Brazilian FA, means many players gain significant senior experience abroad before ever playing professionally in their home country.
This contrasts sharply with previous generations. Ronaldo moved to Europe at 17 in 1994, while Ronaldinho and Neymar were 21 when they made similar moves. The accelerated trend raises concerns about whether the "maverick" flair and natural flamboyance of Brazilian players are being tempered by the intensive "micro-coaching" prevalent in top European leagues. The business of trading Brazilian footballers is largely driven by foreign interests, creating a complex dynamic for Brazilian football.
Facing Norway and Future Challenges
Ancelotti is also preparing his team to face Norway, a nation Brazil has never defeated in World Cup history. The match will also feature a notable individual duel between Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Brazil's Arsenal defender Gabriel. Ancelotti emphasized a collective defensive approach to counter Haaland, stating that while Gabriel will be positioned closely, the entire team's effort is crucial.
Ancelotti, who has faced Haaland multiple times with Napoli and Real Madrid, acknowledged the Norwegian striker as one of the world's best but stressed that Norway is a well-organized team with tactical discipline and strength in set pieces. The coach believes his team is evolving, which he deems most important in a World Cup, highlighting that determination and fighting spirit are paramount in single-elimination matches.
Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title continues, marked by a pragmatic approach under Ancelotti that prioritizes results over adherence to traditional romantic notions of their playing style. The team's journey reflects the changing landscape of global football, where early exposure to European systems and competition shapes modern talent.