Ancelotti Praises Brazil Newcomers Ahead Of World Cupnewsline24

Carlo Ancelotti stated that several newcomers in the Brazil squad strengthened their chances of making the World Cup group after a 3-1 friendly win over Croatia at Camping World Stadium, where late goals from Igor Thiago and Gabriel Martinelli secured victory following a dramatic finish.

Earlier, Botafogo player Danilo opened the scoring for Brazil, before Lovro Majer equalised in the 84th minute. The Selecao then replied twice within four minutes, with substitutes making the difference in a match that followed a 2-1 defeat to France during the same international break.

Ancelotti underlined that this March window represented a final opportunity for many players to influence selection. Several recent call-ups responded, including Brentford forward Igor Thiago, Bournemouth player Rayan, and Real Madrid loanee Endrick, who joined the senior squad for the first time since Ancelotti replaced Dorival Junior.

Igor Thiago translated strong Premier League displays onto the international stage, while Rayan also delivered an energetic showing. Leo Pereira and Kaiki caught attention as well, with Ancelotti noting that new options had increased competition for places as Brazil move closer to naming the final World Cup squad.

Reflecting on individual performances, Ancelotti said: “What pleases me most is that the new players really made the most of their opportunity. Obviously, that increases the uncertainty over the final squad list, because Igor Thiago and Leo Pereira did very well, Danilo [Santos] did well, Endrick did very well, Kaiki too. They all took their chance, and that is a positive sign for the team. Now we will keep evaluating what happens in the European leagues and also in the Brazilian Championship.”

Ancelotti stressed that the technical staff would now track form in both European leagues and the Brazilian Championship. The intention is to assess whether the level shown against Croatia and during the France match can be maintained in club football before final tournament decisions are made.

Brazil squad changes and World Cup tactical options

The friendly against Croatia became fragmented at times because Brazil made eight substitutions during the second half. Ancelotti explained that the majority of changes aimed to add fresh energy in attack and also allowed Brazil to try a different tactical system against strong European opposition.

Ancelotti detailed the reasoning behind the alterations, saying: “Endrick, Igor Thiago, Martinelli, and Rayan,” when listing the players introduced. “Because, in truth, up front, they worked very hard. In the second half, they were a little tired, so we changed the system. But, obviously, the characteristics changed as well. And Endrick took advantage of being more central to win the penalty and provide the assist for Martinelli.”

Endrick entered in the 76th minute, replacing Luiz Henrique in attack. Within minutes, Endrick won a penalty that Igor Thiago converted with composure, then slipped Martinelli behind the Croatia defence for Brazil’s third goal, giving the 19-year-old a decisive cameo in front of Ancelotti and the national team staff.

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Endrick admitted feeling pressure to make an instant impact, saying: “I had this sense of urgency,” before adding that a conversation at home changed that outlook. “After seeing my wife telling me that just being here was already a victory, regardless of whether I came on, scored a goal or provided an assist, all the pressure went away.”

Since joining Lyon in December, Endrick has produced 11 goal contributions in all competitions, with six goals and five assists. However, Endrick has experienced challenges with Brazil, and did not play in the 2-1 loss to France, which added personal motivation before facing Croatia.

Brazil squad form and World Cup motivation

Endrick described a clear sense of responsibility regarding Brazil’s World Cup ambitions. “Whatever we can do for Brazil, we will do,” Endrick said when asked about tournament hopes. “I have no doubt about that. And we’ll keep working, because nothing speaks louder than hard work.”

The performance against Croatia, following defeat to France, gave Ancelotti more data on both established names and recent call-ups. With places still open in the Brazil squad for the World Cup, the match at Camping World Stadium may weigh heavily when the final list is confirmed.