Carlo Ancelotti details Neymar’s return to the field and points to Rayan as a likely starter against Scotland
An atypical press conference, which started more than two and a half hours late in Miami, marked the statements made by coach Carlo Ancelotti. The flight departing from New Jersey faced unforeseen weather conditions, but the Brazilian team’s coach demonstrated good humor in dealing with the situation, revealing a leadership stance even in the face of unexpected logistical obstacles.
The experienced Italian commander made a joke about the time of the press conference. “It’s a very beautiful experience to hold a press conference at nine at night,” he said, referring to the local time zone, one hour behind Brasília time.
After the relaxed tone, Ancelotti was directly asked about Neymar’s long-awaited return. The striker has recovered from a grade two injury to his right calf, trained intensely throughout the week and is ready for his debut in the fourth World Cup of his career, in the clash against Scotland, scheduled for this Wednesday (24), at 7pm, in the final round of the World Cup group stage.
“Neymar worked well this week and we are very happy with his return. Obviously, with his quality, he can help the team a lot”, highlighted the coach. He also addressed the doubt about how many minutes the number 10, who had been inactive for more than a month, would be able to play.
Ancelotti responded with another joke about the player’s physical condition. “He can play. I can play 90 minutes walking [laughs]. He trained very well, I’m very happy with him,” said the coach.
Possible replacement for Raphinha after injury
Despite the optimism, Neymar is expected to start the match on the bench, due to the need to regain rhythm in the game. The only confirmed change in the team that beat Haiti 3-0 last Friday (19) is the absence of Raphinha, who suffered an injury to the back of his right thigh and is out.
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Without confirming by name the replacement for the number 11, coach Carlo Ancelotti gave strong indications that Rayan will be chosen to start the match. The striker, who spent time at Vasco and currently at Bournemouth, England, competes for the starting position with Luiz Henrique.
“I think that Rayan, when he came on for Raphinha [against Haiti], played a good game. Rayan has a lot of potential in this aspect [of ‘widening the field’, that is, playing positioned very close to the flank and creating spaces for infiltration]”, explained the Italian, highlighting the tactical importance of having a player who can create depth and open spaces in the opponent’s defense. “We have other players who can adapt to the system, but if we need that range, Rayan can play that role”, he concluded, while rejecting the idea of sparing Douglas Santos and Casemiro, both suspended with a yellow card.
“We think about winning the game with the best possible lineup. We don’t think about cards. We have to play a complete game”, summarized Ancelotti, prioritizing performance on the field.
Search for group leadership and its strategic advantages
The Brazilian team currently leads Group C of the competition, with four points, the same number as Morocco, but ahead on goal difference (three against one). Scotland occupies third place with three points, while Haiti has no points. At the same time as Brazil’s clash in Miami, Morocco and Haiti will face each other in Atlanta, in a match that will directly influence the final classification.
The Brazilian team’s primary objective is to finish the group stage in the lead. This goal is not due to the preference for a specific opponent in the round of 16, which would come from Group F (with the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia), but rather due to a crucial logistical issue. Securing first place would allow the delegation to maintain its base of concentration in New Jersey for the knockout phase, minimizing travel stress and allowing athletes to maintain a stable routine focused on preparation.
If the team finishes second in the group, Brazil would have to travel to Monterrey, Mexico, to compete in the round of 32 match. If it advances, it would return to the United States, but with traveling bases. There is also the possibility of qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams, which would involve playing in both North American and Mexican territory, depending on the final results of the first phase.
“Let’s not focus on the Morocco game. Let’s think about what we have to do and do it well. Improve [what was done in the] game against Haiti. Scotland has a good team, they have the opportunity to qualify better in the group”, concluded Ancelotti, reiterating the total focus on the team’s own performance.
