Brazil have arrived in the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup, but head coach Carlo Ancelotti now faces an unexpected selection headache following his side’s emphatic friendly victory over Panama.
The Italian tactician had appeared settled on his starting XI before Sunday’s clash at the Maracanã, describing the team that began the match as largely his World Cup side, albeit without Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, who were involved in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest.
However, Brazil’s impressive second-half display by the substitutes has forced Ancelotti to reconsider.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti admitted that the performances of Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago, Danilo Santos and Rayan had raised fresh questions over his preferred line-up ahead of Brazil’s opening World Cup fixture against Morocco on June 13.
More than 72,000 supporters packed the Maracanã to celebrate the Selecão, with chants for Neymar dominating the atmosphere despite the forward remaining on the bench due to injury concerns.
Ancelotti, though, moved swiftly to calm fears over Neymar’s condition.
“He’ll stay for the World Cup,” the coach assured reporters, dismissing speculation over the forward’s place in the squad.
Brazil’s delegation landed in the United States on Tuesday, where players involved in the Champions League final had already arrived directly from Europe. Training has now begun as Ancelotti seeks to settle on the squad capable of leading Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
