Sports
Brazil's World Cup Debut Exposes Carlo Ancelotti's Flaws
Deploying Ibañez at full-back and a midfield overrun by Morocco result in an opening-round draw.
Brazil drew 1-1 against Morocco in their World Cup opener following a performance marked by tactical missteps. A fragile first half and an improvised right-back left the team under heavy pressure until Vini Júnior salvaged a point.
The Brazilian national team drew 1-1 against Morocco in their World Cup opening match, played in the United States. The result and the team's collective display in the first half laid bare defensive vulnerabilities and questionable lineup choices by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
In the video above, Bernardo Ramos breaks down the Seleção's performance, which he broadcast for BandNews FM, arguing that the head coach was primarily responsible for the team's struggles on the pitch. For Bernardo, the first-half display ranked among the most fragile in Brazilian tournament history, drawing parallels to the 1986 World Cup opener against Spain, when Brazil weathered intense pressure before winning 1-0 on a Sócrates goal.
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Improvisation at Full-Back and Overrun Midfield
The focal point of the tactical criticism was playing Ibañez out of position at right-back. At Al Ahli under Matias Iayzlen, the defender plays as a left-sided center-back alongside Demiral. Throughout the match, Brazil's defensive flank struggled against overlapping runs from Mazraoui and El Khannouss, leaving the area exposed.
Beyond the defensive instability on the flank, Brazil was dominated in the middle third. High pressing from Brahim Díaz and Saibari disrupted the buildup play of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães. Morocco's standout performers included 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ounahi, alongside Roma's El Yamiq. The midfield breakdown led Ancelotti to substitute both Ibañez and Casemiro at halftime, bringing on Danilo to stabilize the right side.
Individual Spark in Attack and Lingering Questions
The equalizer came courtesy of individual brilliance from Vini Júnior down the left wing, exchanging passes with Bruno Guimarães before beating goalkeeper Bono. Bernardo emphasized that this solo effort prevented a worse defeat given the attacking momentum Morocco maintained.
In attack, center forward Igor Thiago's display drew sharp criticism from Bernardo. Despite tallying 22 goals this season for Brentford—trailing only Haaland's 27—the striker struggled with his touch, lost aerial duels in the box, and was denied by Bono. Bernardo also questioned the omission of Endrick and criticized second-half substitutions when Ancelotti replaced Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago with Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique, leaving Raphinha deployed out of position through the middle.
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