Léo Pereira to the World Cup? Ancelotti weighs up Brazil bow | OneFootball

Léo Pereira played the full 90 minutes and pleased the Brazilian National Team coach

There is a saying that goes: “first impressions last.” So, Léo Pereira can celebrate. After all, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti approved of the Flamengo player’s debut in the famous yellow and green shirt this Thursday (26). The Flamengo defender played all 90 minutes in the 2-1 loss to France in the United States.

– The team was very young, with players who are not used to playing together. Defensively, Bremer and Léo (Pereira) played very well. On the ball, we need to combine better; we have to work on our build-up, but we also have to consider that we had counterattacking opportunities, especially in the second half, when the players who came on brought energy to the pitch –, said Ancelotti.

WAS LÉO PEREIRA AT FAULT FOR FRANCE’S GOALS?

During a build-up play in the first half, Casemiro lost possession in midfield. France then quickly found Mbappé. The Real Madrid (ESP) forward burst between Léo Pereira and Bremer, went one-on-one with Ederson, and beautifully chipped the Brazilian goalkeeper to open the scoring.

In the second half, Olise received the ball and, with plenty of space, drove through the middle. Léo Pereira tried to close down the space and ended up leaving a gap. Ekitike then received the ball unmarked and also scored with a chip over the Brazilian goalkeeper.

WHAT WERE LÉO PEREIRA’S NUMBERS?

Though he was exposed in both goal-scoring plays, Léo Pereira stood out with the ball at his feet. The center-back completed 94% of his passes (62/66), made one clearance, recovered four balls, and lost possession the same number of times. In addition, the Flamengo player received a yellow card for his only foul and had one shot, from a free-kick.

WHAT DID LÉO PEREIRA SAY ABOUT HIS DEBUT?

— The responsibility was huge in today’s match, but we also see it as a great privilege, an honor to be able to represent our people in such a special game against a great team, against great players. I believe we played well enough to earn a draw and maybe even get the win —, said the defender.

Now, Léo Pereira is hoping for a second chance next Tuesday (31), against Croatia, starting at 9 p.m. (Brasília time). Coluna do Fla, of course, will bring all the information about the friendly. It is also worth noting that Danilo is also with the squad and could get minutes against Modric’s team and company.

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