Carlo Ancelotti wanted Brazil to play their final World Cup qualifier at home at the Maracana. The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) agreed to play the match against Chile at the historic venue. The Brazil coach witnessed his team’s 3-0 victory in front of a crowd of around 57,000 on Friday. Ancelotti praised several players after the match, but he was particularly fond of Luiz Henrique, who scored two goals.
Host Brazil dominated possession (64 percent) throughout the match against Chile, attacking and shooting. Young stars Estevao Willian, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimarães scored for the team on the day. Henrique provided the direct assist for the second goal, and he also contributed to the third goal. He showed flashes of brilliance within a short time after being substituted. In the 72nd minute, Henrique, after dribbling and overcoming opponents, entered the box and took a second shot. Paqueta jumped and headed it into the goal.
In the 76th minute, Henrique took a powerful shot from the box. It was eluding the Chilean goalkeeper and hitting the top bar, but Guimarães touched it and gave Brazil the lead for the third time. Henrique attracted attention in a short time and was praised by Ancelotti after the match, ‘Luiz Henrique is an extraordinary talent. Physically strong, great in one-on-one battles. He has changed the course of the match with his great fitness. When others are tired, when such a talented player comes on the field, the game changes. Having such a player for the national team is a big advantage.
The legendary coach said about the execution of the plan throughout the match, “The atmosphere at the Maracana was great, the team had great support. We played with speed, good rhythm, good defense and effective pressing. I think the fans were as happy with the team’s performance as we were. We played a serious match, especially in the first half we were focused on defending well and the team was much more compact. After scoring the goal the match became easier for us. In the second half Chile was a bit more aggressive, but after the second goal the match completely opened up.”
The World Cup is still a long way off. However, Ancelotti was asked which players have been confirmed for the World Cup. In response, Ancelotti said, “We have some very strong players in our team. But it is not easy to make a list of 25 or 26 players. I may have a little more difficulty in the next few months than any other coach. But this is a very positive thing. I liked everyone who played today, who came on and changed the rhythm of the match. I am really happy with today’s performance.”
Incidentally, Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the Brazil national team after leaving Real Madrid on May 12. Since then, he has been closely observing the country’s players playing in various leagues in Europe, starting from Brazil’s domestic league. As a result, this legendary Italian coach did not hesitate to experiment, even excluding the tested ones like Neymar-Vinicius-Rodrigo. So far, Brazil has played 3 matches under Ancelotti, winning two and drawing one.
FAQ
What was the score in Brazil’s match against Chile at Maracana?
Brazil won 3-0 against Chile in their final World Cup qualifier at Maracana.
Why did Carlo Ancelotti praise Luiz Henrique?
Ancelotti praised Henrique for his strength, skill, and impact as a substitute, calling him an “extraordinary talent.”
What did Luiz Henrique contribute during the game?
Henrique assisted Lucas Paquetá’s goal and set up Bruno Guimarães’ strike after his powerful shot bounced off the crossbar.
How did Brazil perform overall in the match?
Brazil dominated with 64% possession, strong pressing, and goals from Estevão Willian, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães.
