Debasis Sen, Kolkata
Five-time champions Brazil survived a scare in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side managed to salvage a 1-1 draw, courtesy of a brilliant strike from Vinicius Jr. Ancelotti’s decision to start Brentford striker Igor Thiago ahead of Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, and Endrick has come under criticism. Thiago clearly struggled to combine effectively with Raphinha and Vinicius Jr., and made little impact before being substituted in the second half.
Similarly, Lucas Paquetá was far from his best against the AFCON champions. The Latin American giants lacked cohesion as a unit and were sluggish in their build-up play throughout the match. Former Mohun Bagan star Jose Ramiraz Barreto, though, backed Ancelotti’s decision to start with Igor Thiago.
According to Barreto: “He’s (Igor Thiago) a traditional No. 9 player and especially because of his experience in top-level football. He attracts attention from defenders, creates space for teammates and performs an important tactical role. At the same time, we can’t judge a player based on one World Cup match. Against Haiti, he may have a better opportunity to shine and score goals.
“The first round of a World Cup is often about settling in, adapting to the tournament atmosphere and dealing with the emotions that come with such a major event. These opening games help build the team, but they don’t necessarily determine what the line-up will look like in the knockout rounds. I think he needs a little more time, but as the tournament progresses, he could become a very important player for Brazil.”
Talking about Brazil’s opening fixture against Morocco, Barreto said: “Ancelotti is still trying to find out whether it’s the best starting XI or not, but I think he did what he had to do and made the right choices for the opening game. With Neymar unavailable, I felt Brazil needed to be a little more physical, especially considering the opponent.
“Morocco is a very strong team, so I was quite happy with the way Brazil started. In the first game of a World Cup, you don’t need to show everything or try to prove immediately that you’re Brazil and can win the tournament. It was a simple and practical way to begin. Looking at the second half, I thought Brazil improved and progressed as the game went on.”
Carlo Ancelotti said after the match that nerves may have affected his players during the difficult start. According to Barreto: “What’s important is that Brazil have players who can make decisive contributions. Vinícius Jr scored, and that was a very positive sign. Without Neymar, Vinícius has to become the main protagonist for Brazil, and that’s exactly what he was. Scoring gives him confidence, and that confidence can create opportunities not only for him but for the rest of the team as well.
“Enrique was on the bench, and I think Ancelotti will figure out the best situations to use him. His speed can be a major asset depending on the opponent. I liked the balance of the squad, especially seeing players come off the bench and make an impact while still having quality options available. I think Brazil and Morocco have a clear path to advance to the next round.”
Neymar could return for the second game against Haiti. According to Barreto: “I think one of two things will happen. Either Neymar won’t play at all in the next game, or he’ll come on for 20 to 30 minutes because he still won’t have full match fitness. Knowing Ancelotti, I think he’ll focus on preparing Neymar for the knockout stage rather than rushing him back during the group phase.
“Brazil and Morocco are both in a strong position to qualify, so the priority should be ensuring Neymar is fully ready for the next round. Maybe he’ll play 20 to 30 minutes in the next game and then a little more in the following match. The objective is to gradually build his fitness. Once the knockout stage begins, that’s when Brazil will really need him. I believe that’s exactly how Ancelotti will manage the situation.”
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