CAhead of the match against Croatia, Brazil coach Arlo Ancelotti made it clear how he wanted his team to play without thinking too much about the past.
“Jogo Bonito? The last two World Cups that Brazil won, they did so by combining talent and defence. For example, in 2002 with Felipao (Scolari) and his three centre-backs, and in 1994 with Parreira using Romario up front. We placed four players in two rows. There is no other way than to defend well. The World Cup is won by the person who concedes the fewest points, not the one who concedes the fewest points. “I don’t like being called defensive, but it’s very important for the team.”
“This year, when I was the manager, we qualified, we qualified early, we analyzed a lot of players, we have a very clear, clear idea for the first game, we also have a very clear final list of players. We want to have mobility up front, we probably have a striker, but that will be a test. “I think we’ve done a good job so far. We need calm and composure, and of course there will be criticism, but the most important thing is that some results are more important and others less important, but what matters is the World Cup.” Vinicius and Rafinha. In the lead-up to his match against six-time European champion Luka Modric of Croatia, he did not hesitate to praise Modric, who also praised him in true Carleto fashion. “Madrid is Madrid, Brazil is Brazil. We have two of the best players in the world in Rafinha and Vini. In fact, Vini will play tomorrow and they will be the two best players in the World Cup. We need them to bring all the quality they are showing now for the team, but they will do well with their character and character and it will be a good World Cup.”
What about Luka? “Modrić? He can play as a midfielder, as a pivot, as Madrid’s No. 8. He can do everything in midfield because he is a complete modern midfielder, one of the best players I have coached, and a great professional with an extraordinary passion for football that makes him one of the best midfielders at the age of 40. Modric is unique. There is no player like him on the world market.”
The 26-man list is coming up and there are some surprises. What about Endrik? “We knew that Endrik was an attacker, a central player, but now he often plays on the wings and he does well there too. It’s a position that requires more defensive work, but given his age and structure, he does it and can do it. We are watching his evolution. Like many other players, he will definitely be the future of the national team.”
