Brazil’s No 9 puzzle persists as Ancelotti weighs options before Haiti | OneFootball

Brazil’s long search for a reliable centre-forward is again the live issue, with Carlo Ancelotti still without a clear answer as Haiti await in the early hours of Saturday, 2.30am in France. The current side appear particularly affected by the lack of a leading No 9.

According to L'Équipe, hundreds of Brazil fans have swarmed Philadelphia since Thursday, many in Ronaldo shirts, twenty-four years after the Yokohama win over Germany. Their nostalgia underlines a belief that the missing piece up front persists twenty years after R9’s international farewell.

In the 1-1 draw with Morocco on 13 June, Brentford’s Igor Thiago, wearing 25, struggled for mobility and polish, hardly the archetype cherished at home. Paulo César says Brazil clearly lack a No 9, urging more chances for Endrick and praising Rayan’s pace, movement and finishing.

He and others point to an unresolved void since Adriano’s last cap in 2010. One analyst argues youth systems now prioritise wingers, seen as easier to move on and routinely used in pairs, so classic strikers are neglected.

History offers the contrast, with Ronaldo’s eight goals driving 2002 and Romario defining 1994. Careca laments the absence of forceful personalities who seize decisive moments, adding modern styles share some blame.

Recent No 9s have been good rather than dominant, from Richarlison and Pedro in 2022 to Gabriel Jesus and Firmino in 2018, and Fred and Jô in 2014. Ancelotti omitted Joao Pedro, with one analyst saying Neymar’s inclusion and the forward’s patchy Brazil form, unlike at Chelsea, counted against him, prompting picks like Endrick and Rayan.

Against Haiti, the Italian coach could stick with Igor Thiago to build confidence, yet alternative trials are live. In Thursday’s closed session Raphinha was used through the middle with Cunha in support. Careca would like the forward loaned to Lyon late last season to play, and hopes Neymar, despite fitness issues, is soon ready, though he remains sidelined and will watch on television.

Source: L'Équipe