Carlo Ancelotti insists Brazil’s defeat against Norway marks the beginning of a ‘new cycle’ for the Seleçao and explains why Bruno Guimaraes took a penalty kick in the first half: ‘Raphinha, Neymar, and Igor Thiago were not on the pitch…’
Ancelotti’s Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Erling Haaland’s Norway.
“It’s obvious we are all deeply saddened – the coaching staff and players, just like the fans. Perhaps the team wasn’t playing a spectacular World Cup, but our tournament was certainly good, and we deserved to win today,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
“We had a very positive first half, creating several chances at 0-0. We were controlling the match and had opportunities. We opted not to press too high given the opponent’s characteristics, as they are quick on the counter-attack. Everything went well for 70 minutes, then Haaland arrived and decided the game.”
Ancelotti signed a new contract until 2030 just before the beginning of the World Cup so he would not resign after yesterday’s loss: “This defeat marks the first step of this national team’s new cycle,” he said.
“For me, it’s a disappointing result and a great sense of sadness, but it also leaves a truly valuable experience: an excellent working group. In fact, I want to thank the lads for the atmosphere they created.
“Things don’t always go our way; not everything is always perfect. Today we didn’t deserve to lose, but the opponent must also be considered in the equation – a rival with excellent players who made the difference.”
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty kick in the opening minutes: “Before the match, we conducted a statistical analysis of penalties taken and converted in recent months,” Ancelotti explained.
“The best was Raphinha, then Neymar, then Igor Thiago. None of those three were on the pitch. Among those playing, Bruno Guimaraes was the best, and he took it. We chose him because we believed he was the best option
“Now we must manage this great sadness and, from tomorrow, start thinking about the future of a national team that already has an interesting group of young players, strong not-so-young players, and veterans who can continue.”
