‘We’ve improved, now we’re solid’, says Ancelotti after Cup win | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with Brazil’s performance and 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami at the 2026 World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was proud of Brazil’s display in the 3-0 victory over Scotland this Wednesday (25) in the third round of the World Cup group stage. In the post-match press conference, after the result confirmed Brazil’s qualification for the knockout stage as group leaders, he praised the Seleção’s solidity and stressed that the team is capable of playing even better.

“Now we are playing as a team, that is the goal. We are not perfect, we have things to improve. We can be a little quicker when we have control. I’m happy because the team has improved a lot, now we are solid. In the knockout stage, solidity is very important. We have a solid team. Compared to the first game, we are making fewer mistakes, we have more rhythm, and we are more effective up front,” he said.

At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Brazil secured the win with two goals from Vinicius Jr. and one from Matheus Cunha. The pair have been responsible for Brazil’s seven goals in the tournament. Vini, for example, found the net in all three of Brazil’s opening World Cup matches, matching the achievements of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Jairzinho, and Romário. He was praised by Ancelotti, who described him as one of the “best in the world.”

“It is satisfying (to see Vini shining) because I had no doubt about how he could arrive at this World Cup. For him, it is an honor to play for the national team. He is doing very well, he also scored with a header, which is very rare for him. I’m not the one who is going to discover Vini. For me, Vini is top class. He is one of the best in the world, obviously,” he praised.

Carlo Ancelotti talks to Fabinho during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami at the 2026 World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Brazil will find out its Round of 16 opponent this Thursday (25). As leaders of Group C, they will face the runner-up from Group F. Their opponent will be one of the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden. The match will be played next Monday (29) in Houston at 2 p.m. (Brasília time).

Praise for Rayan

Rayan was Carlo Ancelotti’s choice to replace Raphinha, who is injured in the back of his right thigh, and he did not disappoint. Wearing the No. 26 shirt, he was involved in the move that led to the first goal, came close to scoring himself, and, according to the coach, performed well both offensively and defensively.

“(Rayan) Did a complete job defensively and offensively, he played very well. I’m very satisfied with the match he played. Being young is an important part of it. He has maturity, works hard, has quality. I think, in general, nobody knows how far his level can go,” he said.

Carlo Ancelotti talks to his assistant coach Francesco Mauri during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami at the 2026 World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Neymar’s return

In the 30th minute of the second half, Neymar made his debut in this World Cup, in his first match for Brazil since the serious injury to his left knee on October 17, 2023. Since then, 981 days had passed before the No. 10 wore the yellow shirt again.

Called up for his fourth World Cup (2014, 18, 22, and 26), he had recovered from a muscle injury in his right calf. His dedication in returning to the pitch and his performance against the Scots pleased Ancelotti, who stressed that Neymar has “the same passion a boy has to play for Brazil.”

“(Neymar) Had the chance to play because he deserved to play, he worked and trained to recover with great professionalism. Because of his qualities, he can help the team in this World Cup. He played well in the few minutes he was on the pitch. Neymar does not need motivation to play, no player needs that to play in Brazil’s shirt, and with Neymar it is the same. He is 34 years old and has the same passion a boy has to play for Brazil,” he concluded.

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