In its best form since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian national team dazzled its fans by defeating the strong Senegal team yesterday 2-0, thanks to goals from Estevao and Casemiro, at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The Senegalese, who had a bad night, with defensive errors and other errors due to the high pressing implemented by Brazil, lost a streak of 26 matches without defeat that has continued since 2023. This statistic reflects the good level of the opponent that the Brazilian national team dominated. Brazil will meet Tunisia next Tuesday in the French city of Lille.
Motivated by their recent record and 4-2 win in their last meeting with Brazil in 2023, Senegal tried to adopt a brave attitude in the encounter. This helped smooth Carlo Ancelotti’s playing style. On one side of the field, strong defence. Right-back Militao knew how to defend Ederson’s goal well, and he only saved one goal in the match. On the other hand, a light attack, with excellent movement, well presented by the midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães. The two, in fact, represent the coach’s main asset so far.
– It was a very nice game. With sacrifice and focus on the defensive level. Great pressure in the first half, and control in the second half because we do not need very high pressure as in the first half. The quality of the players in attack made the difference, and the coach appreciated it.
Of course, in a world as dynamic as football, a lot can happen between now and June, when the World Cup begins. However, it is undeniable that with practically everything he has at his disposal – with the exception of Alisson, from Liverpool, and Rafinha, from Barcelona, both of whom are suffering from muscle injuries -, Ancelotti is pointing towards paths to the first team.
The defense, for example, appears to be ready. Alisson is the natural holder of the goal post, as are Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes in the defensive pairing. On the flanks, the lack of names carrying safety points to Alex Sandro on the left and Militao on the right. The Real Madrid defender passed yesterday’s test by showing his usual quality in defense and his good ability to attack.
In the middle, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães showed the team’s best interaction. Rodrigo, Vinny Junior and Estevao are not far behind. Ancelotti praised the Chelsea striker and isolated himself as the top scorer during the Italian coach’s era, with four goals. The only unknown in the attacking sector is Matheus Cunha, who took advantage of his chances, but he has strong competitors.
Positioned in a position that allows him to operate as a striker, second striker or even as an advanced midfielder, Cunha delivered an outstanding performance. To improve, if only he had headed home in the first half.
— Matthews Cunha’s position is very important, as it helps pass the ball between the midfielder and the striker. With him, the attacking trio can play great games. I said the tests ended in October. Now reaching the World Cup is a straight line – concluded Ancelotti.
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