Brazil’s rocky World Cup qualifying mirrors their 2002 journey, sparking hope despite recent struggles. With parallels to their triumphant past, the emergence of new talents like Estêvão and Luiz Henrique, and the potential return of Neymar, Brazil aims to defy expectations and secure a sixth World Cup title under Ancelotti.
Brazil's journey through the World Cup qualifiers has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. Finishing fifth with a meager 28 points, it marks their worst qualifying campaign in history. The recent 1-0 defeat to Bolivia, played at a dizzying altitude, only added to the sense of unease. Yet, amidst the gloom, whispers of optimism persist, fueled by the uncanny parallels to their triumphant 2002 campaign.
Despite the loss, the Bolivia match offered a glimpse into Carlo Ancelotti's strategy, with seven changes signaling a willingness to experiment. However, a late penalty conceded by Bruno Guimarães dashed hopes of a draw, handing Bolivia a crucial playoff spot and igniting their World Cup dreams. While Bolivia celebrates, Brazil faces scrutiny, but is there truly cause for despair?
The current narrative echoes the turbulent lead-up to the 2002 World Cup. Then, as now, Brazil shuffled through three managers, endured stinging defeats, and faced criticism from all corners. The losses in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia mirror the setbacks of the past. Perhaps most intriguing is the parallel surrounding their star player. In 2002, Ronaldo was written off, deemed past his prime due to a major injury. Yet, he defied expectations, leading Brazil to victory and etching his name in football legend.
Now, all eyes are on Neymar. Once hailed as the heir to Pelé's throne, his career has been marked by moments of brilliance interspersed with controversy and injury. While he surpassed Pelé as the national team's record goalscorer, his recent return to Santos has been marred by clashes with fans and a humiliating defeat. Doubts linger about his ability to recapture his former glory and lead Brazil to World Cup success.
Journalists and fans are divided on Neymar's potential impact. Some, like Rodrigo Mattos, express skepticism, citing his recent form and injuries. Others cling to the hope that he can emulate Ronaldo's remarkable comeback. Alicia Klein argues that relying on Neymar to star in the US is based on fantasy rather than reality. The 33-year-old was notably absent from the recent squad, signaling a potential shift in Ancelotti's plans.
Ancelotti's decision to experiment with the squad also saw Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior left at home, as he assessed alternative attacking options. The 3-0 victory against Chile in Rio de Janeiro offered a tantalizing glimpse of Brazil's potential. Estêvão Willian and Luiz Henrique emerged as bright sparks, injecting dynamism and flair into the attack. Estêvão, bound for Chelsea, marked his debut with a goal, while Luiz Henrique, now with Zenit St Petersburg, orchestrated the attack with aplomb.
The return of familiar faces also brought a sense of stability. Lucas Paquetá, cleared of spot-fixing allegations, slotted seamlessly back into the midfield. João Pedro, who is having a strong start for Chelsea, also featured prominently. Richarlison, who previously worked with Ancelotti at Everton, showcased his resurgence, adding firepower to the attack with goals and assists.
Despite the setback in Bolivia, Ancelotti remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for improvement ahead of the World Cup. He praised Casemiro's unique qualities, recalling him to anchor the midfield. While experimenting with full-backs, he has a solid defensive core with Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Alexsandro. The potential return of Éder Militão from injury would further bolster the defense.
With friendlies against Japan and South Korea on the horizon, Ancelotti will have further opportunities to fine-tune his squad and assess the fitness of key players like Militão and Neymar. While the qualifying campaign has dampened expectations, the parallels with 2002 offer a glimmer of hope. As Brazil fans know, history has a way of repeating itself, and against the odds, Brazil could recapture the magic and stake their claim for a sixth World Cup title.
The real test will be in Ancelotti's hands as he molds this squad. Will it be the established stars like Neymar, Vinícius, and Rodrygo, or the fresh faces such as Estêvão and Luiz Henrique? Either way, a blend of experience and youthful exuberance could be the answer.