Marcio Santos encapsulates the pressure faced by Brazil’s players ahead of the 1994 World Cup, stating, “We hadn’t won in 24 years. That’s way too long for the Brazilian people,” as shared in the Netflix documentary USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory.
Following a humiliating loss in qualifying that nearly cost manager Carlos Alberto Parreira his job, the legendary strike duo of Romário and Bebeto led the Seleção to their fourth World Cup championship the last time the tournament took place in the United States.
Now, 32 years later, Brazil fans are hopeful that history will repeat itself as Carlo Ancelotti’s team prepares for a challenging opening match against Morocco on Saturday. Morocco notably became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022.
The nation with the most World Cup victories has advanced past the quarter-finals only once since Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo secured the fifth title in 2002. Currently, Brazil is tied for the longest spell without a World Cup win since their previous triumph. A lackluster qualifying campaign saw them finish fifth, enduring six losses — more than any other South American team in the World Cup.
Ancelotti’s tenure since departing Real Madrid has been a mix of highs and lows. Despite facing backlash for excluding Chelsea’s João Pedro and recalling the 34-year-old Neymar for the first time since 2023, the Italian tactician possesses the potential to join Marcello Lippi and Vicente del Bosque as the only managers to win both the World Cup and the Champions League.
Neymar remains the only active squad member from the infamous 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in 2014, known as the Mineiraço, although he missed that match due to injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
“Since Ancelotti’s arrival, the environment has been transformed. He carries a strong presence and gives us the tranquility of an environment focused on work, without controversy,” said Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson this week.
Alisson also noted, “He’s a multi-champion. He has won everything in football and is here with joy and enthusiasm. His position perhaps has more pressure than being the president of the country.”
Ancelotti’s challenge lies in balancing an attack that can complement a defense expected to be among the tournament’s best. The central defensive pairing of captain Marquinhos and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães forms a solid foundation, although concerns linger regarding the full-back positions.
Traditionally, Brazil’s defense has been a strength, featuring legendary pairings like Carlos Alberto in 1970 and Cafu and Roberto Carlos in 2002. Now, it leans on seasoned players like Douglas Santos, Danilo, and Alex Sandro.
Neymar’s recent calf injury is likely to prevent him from participating in the opening match, creating an opportunity for teenager Endrick or Brentford’s Igor Thiago to take the lead in the attack. Vinícius Júnior, who flourished under Ancelotti in Madrid, and Raphinha are expected to add dynamism to the offense, supported by a revitalized Casemiro and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães in midfield.
Brazil has topped their group in every World Cup since 1978, a streak that includes a controversial 0-0 draw against Argentina, the eventual champions, that denied them a place in the final.
While it is improbable that Ancelotti will adopt a conservative approach, even a draw against Morocco would not be catastrophic, especially with matches against Haiti and Scotland on the horizon.
The highly anticipated opening match, featuring two teams ranked within FIFA’s top 10, is set to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium, which hosts 82,500 spectators and will be the venue for the final on July 19. Fans from both nations have converged in the area, adding to the excitement.
At the same time, the New York Knicks will be vying for their first NBA title since 1973, prompting a significant police operation that has been in planning for a year to ensure safety.
Competing for attention at the World Cup is a new experience for Brazil. However, the potential for a match against England in the quarter-finals looms if they can emerge as group winners, establishing their intent against Morocco.
