This wasn't a Brazil that swept away opponents with dazzling passing combinations. This was a very Ancelotti-esque Brazil: still possessing the flair of improvisational footwork, but the Selecao were learning to win with a pragmatic mindset.
Patiently wait for the opportunity.
For the first 20 minutes or so, Haiti played defensively, trying to close down the spaces in front of the penalty area and making it difficult for Brazil to create clear chances. A big team in that situation can easily become impatient, especially after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match.
But Brazil wasn't in a hurry and didn't play as if they had to prove they were Brazilian. They gradually increased the pressure, drawing Haiti deeper, forcing their opponents to defend more, and waiting for the moment when that defense made a mistake.
Cunha (center) performed well as a striker against Haiti, but the challenge for him and the Brazilian attack still lies ahead. Photo: AP
Matheus Cunha's opening goal was somewhat fortunate, as the ball deflected off him after a poor handling error by the Haitian defense. But that luck didn't come naturally. It stemmed from Brazil's relentless pressure. When a big team is patient enough to pressure their opponent for an extended period, mistakes from the opponent often occur.
After that goal, the game almost completely changed direction. Haiti could no longer just defend. Spaces began to open up. And Brazil, with their superior individual quality, knew how to finish the job quickly, right in the first half.
Cunha and Coach Ancelotti's message
Coach Ancelotti's decision to start Matheus Cunha instead of Igor Thiago was crucial. Brazil doesn't lack stars, but they need players who can decide matches in crucial moments. Cunha did just that, with his brace.
In a team with Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Paqueta, and many other technically gifted attacking players, Cunha brings a different kind of value: direct attacking play.
That's exactly what coach Ancelotti needs. His Brazil doesn't necessarily need to play beautifully in every attacking move. What's important is that the team has multiple ways to score, multiple options to unlock the game, and multiple players who can step up when needed.
Vinicius remained the standout player. He provided an assist and then scored himself after a short burst of speed that perhaps no one could have been faster at. But this match wasn't just about Vinicius. It showed Brazil's attempt to break free from its habit of relying on the inspiration of a few stars.
When beauty gives way to victory
The details of Raphinha's injury add another point of interest to this victory. The substitution in the 40th minute shows that coach Ancelotti wanted to proactively manage his players' fitness and prepare for the match against Scotland – an opponent currently with 3 points after 2 rounds.
The World Cup isn't a place where strong teams just need to win beautifully in one match. More importantly, it's about knowing how to win, conserving energy, avoiding risks, and progressing through the group stage with the fewest losses possible.
Therefore, Brazil's second half may not have pleased the viewers, but from coach Ancelotti's perspective, that's not a big deal. Once the game is settled, Brazil doesn't need to turn their 3-0 victory into an endless display.
This is the new Brazil: more realistic and cold-blooded. Of course, Haiti is weak. Therefore, a 3-0 victory against Haiti is a must-do.
Brazil still had their quiet moments. They weren't really creative in the early stages. Coach Ancelotti's players only had 5 shots on target throughout the entire match. However, perhaps that's the most noteworthy thing. Brazil under the Italian coach didn't try to play in a way that would mesmerize everyone.
Brazilian fans may still remember a Selecao team that played football like an art form. But today's World Cup no longer has room for mere samba dancing.
To win the championship, Brazil sometimes needs to win with a pragmatic mindset before winning with spontaneous footwork.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/mot-selecao-khac-duoi-tay-ancelotti-196260620215405992.htm
