The Brazilian national team is preparing for a tough friendly match against Croatia during the current international break. This match is part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke about his tactical vision for leading the Seleção to victory, emphasizing that the path to the title begins with defensive solidity above all else.
Ancelotti explained, in comments reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca, that history confirms that teams that maintain their defensive balance are the most likely to win the World Cup. He cited Brazil’s victories in the 1994 and 2002 editions, where defensive organization was a crucial element alongside attacking talent.
He pointed out that “winning the World Cup isn’t about the number of goals scored, but about conceding the fewest possible goals.” He added that he doesn’t prefer to be labeled a defensive coach, but considers this aspect a fundamental element in building a championship team.
The Italian coach affirmed that the Brazilian national team has made significant strides since he took charge. This was evident in both securing early qualification and thoroughly assessing a large pool of players. He also indicated that the coaching staff now has a clear vision for the final squad and game plan, emphasizing speed in attacking transitions. He added that he is working on introducing an element of surprise on the field.
Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance so far, emphasizing that calmness and gradual progress are key to improvement. He also stressed the importance of keeping the ultimate goal in mind: a strong showing at the World Cup.
The Italian coach praised the attacking duo of Rafinha and Vinicius Junior, asserting that they are among the best players in the world right now and that they possess the ability to deliver an exceptional performance at the World Cup, thanks to their technical skills and strong character.
In a related context, Ancelotti praised Croatian star Luka Modric, describing him as a complete player capable of efficiently filling all midfield positions. He affirmed that Modric is one of the best players he has ever coached, thanks to his professionalism and unwavering passion for the game despite his age.
Regarding Brazil’s final squad and the possibility of including the young talent Indric, he explained that the player has developed remarkably. He is now capable of playing in more than one attacking position. He also indicated that his future with the national team is promising, as is the case with a number of other rising talents being closely monitored by the coaching staff.
