World Cup qualification in South America: World Cup ticket solved: Finally vacation for Ancelotti

At least a little will blow through Carlo Ancelotti. After all, he hardly knows that anymore. “First of all, I’ll take a vacation,” said Brazil’s new national coach with a smile. Vacation? In fact, the 66-year-old hasn’t had for a long time.

The Italian recently stopped as a coach of Real Madrid. But instead of then driving to the beach or into the mountains, we went straight to Seleção. First the idea, then the World Cup qualification. With the 1-0 against Paraguay, the Brazilians prematurely solved the ticket for the tournament in one year in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

70 players on Ancelotti’s list

“We are very happy with the qualification and the game,” said Ancelotti. “But we still have to work hard. We have a year to improve.” Thanks to the success, the Seleção moved to 3rd place in the South American World Cup qualification table two match days before the end.

This means that Brazil can no longer be displaced by one of the first six places that entitle them to participate. After the lean 0-0 at Ancelotti’s debut against Ecuador, not everything went smoothly against Paraguay. But at least much better than in the first game.

Vini jr with the crucial goal

The guests were put under great pressure from the start. Shortly before the break, Vinícius Júnior Brazil brought the lead 1-0 after a cross from Matheus Cunha in the penalty area – it was the only goal of the evening and the first under the new national coach. The real Madrid professional scored of all things under the coach that had shaped him in Madrid.

“I am very happy about this result, it was necessary to win at home, also for our fans,” said the scorer after the final whistle. “Now the trainer has more time to work to see what we can improve.” That is why Ancelotti’s vacation will be much shorter than he might wish for. He has a very long list of players that were possible for the World Cup, the coach said. “That is around 70 players. We take the time to analyze each one of them.”

This also includes the currently injured superstar Neymar, to which Ancelotti was cautiously expressed. “We saw each other in the hotel and hugged,” said the coach. “If he is fit, he can play in every position on the pitch.” The question is currently only when the 33-year-old will be fit again. The last two qualification games are coming up in September: Brazil then plays against Chile and finally meets Bolivia.