Ancelotti: Brazil start with four forwards, João Pedro up front vs Chile | OneFootball

This Wednesday, coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Brazil will play with four forwards against Chile, one of them being João Pedro, who will act as the center forward. The teams will face each other this Thursday at the Maracanã, at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), for the South American Qualifiers.

The coach aims to replicate the performance of the 1-0 victory over Paraguay on June 10. To form the offensive quartet, Ancelotti has Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Richarlison at his disposal.

“We left the game against Paraguay very satisfied. I think the team played very well, both defensively and offensively. That's what we want to do in tomorrow's game. Play intensely, strong in defense, apply offensive pressure, and play quickly with the ball. I think we can replicate the game against Paraguay. We tested four center forwards (in training), and the idea is not to change much for the match against Chile,” he stated at a press conference at Granja Comary.

One of the four spots will be filled by João Pedro. The Italian confirmed that the player will be the team's center forward and is still analyzing who will play behind the striker.

“João Pedro plays as a center forward. In Chelsea's last game, he played as a number 10. This is good for him, as he can play as both a center forward and a number 10. In tomorrow's game, he will play as a center forward. Behind him, I have to think about who to place. It could be Estêvão and Raphinha as well,” he said.

However, Ancelotti did not guarantee the four-forward formation for Brazil's upcoming games. The playing style might be altered in the match against Bolivia next Tuesday.

“The system is set for tomorrow. After that, this team can play in different formations. It depends on the type of game we want to play. In tomorrow's game, the idea is to replicate the game against Paraguay. Against Bolivia, the formation might change a bit,” he highlighted.

Brazil's Situation

With 25 points earned, Brazil has already secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup. Now, the national team aims to finish the Qualifiers in second place. The team, currently in third place, has the same points as Ecuador, the competition's runner-up.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.