June 11 – On his home debut, Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, the five-time world champions, defeated Paraguay 1-0 to secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid striker Vinicius, one of Ancelotti’s key players in Spain, delivered the winning goal for his new national team manager but old friend and supporter on the stroke of half-time.
It was the perfect gift for Ancelotti who, in just his second game in charge of Brazil as the first foreign manager in modern history, celebrated his 66th birthday in front of 46,000 fans in São Paulo. Vinicius had faced criticism of underperforming in the Brazil shirt but alleviated those concerns with his match winner, set up by new Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha.
“We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve. We need to celebrate this. After September, it is all about the World Cup,” said Vinicius.
Brazil’s performance was improved from their disappointing, goalless draw against Ecuador on Ancelotti’s debut last Thursday. The manager introduced Cunha and Raphinha, back from suspension, up front but Brazil squandered opportunities to win by more goals.
“It’s no problem to play with three or four up front,” said Ancelotti. “We need ten players to run, to sacrifice. Rodrygo did this many times. I know him well. And Neymar will also do it.”
Last month, Ancelotti, following months of speculation, succeeded Dorival Junior as manager after the later was dismissed in the wake of a 4-1 defeat against Argentina, the current world champions. At the last World Cup, Brazil were eliminated for a fifth consecutive time by a European side.
With the win, Brazil moved into second place in Conmebol qualifying on 25 points.
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