Latest news with #FernandoDiniz
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- General
- Malay Mail
New boss, old problems: Five World Cup tests for Ancelotti as Brazil's first foreign coach in 50 years
SAO PAULO, June 4 — After a warm welcome to Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao's first foreign coach in more than 50 years, is on a mission to fix a stuttering team and win back fans which starts on Thursday against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier. The 65-year-old Italian led his first training session on Monday in Guayaquil, Ecuador, ahead of what should be his first match, if his move from Real Madrid passes scrutiny by football's governing body FIFA. AFP identifies five issues Ancelotti faces: Qualify! 'The only goal is to win the 2026 World Cup,' said Ancelotti when he took the job. First he has to get there. The South American group is a two-year, 18-match marathon. Brazil's campaign has included a first-ever home World Cup qualifying defeat, 1-0 at the Maracana to old enemy Argentina, part of a run of three straight defeats in 2023 that ended the coaching reign of Fernando Diniz. Their last match was a 4-1 humiliation in Argentina in March that finished off former coach Dorival Junior. Yet the format is forgiving. The top six in the 10-team group qualify directly for the World Cup. Brazil are fourth, six points clear of Venezuela in seventh with four matches to go. Ecuador may be second in the group, but are only two points ahead of Brazil, who then host Paraguay, who are fifth. Qualifying ends in September with a visit to last-place Chile and a home game against struggling Bolivia. Find a centre forward Brazil is still churning out dazzling attackers but the production line has stalled on No. 9s. In this century, Romario, Ronaldo and Adriano have all led the attack and banged in the goals. The nearest player to a classic No. 9 in Ancelotti's first squad is a player he coached at Everton, Richarlison, now of Tottenham. Yet Ancelotti has won without a central striker before. His 2024 Champions League winning side was led by two Brazilians: Vinicius Jr, who is in Ancelotti's squad, and Rodrygo, who he did not select. Ancelotti also has Raphinha of Barcelona, who was joint top scorer in this season's Champions League. Sort out the midfield A bigger problem might be supplying the attackers, veteran Brazilian football journalist Juca Kfouri told AFP. With Brazil's youth academies focusing on defensive midfielders and quick wingers rather than classic creators, the Selecao faces a shortage of ideas in midfield. In Brazil's last two outings Dorival Junior tried Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Andre and Joelinton in the role. None convinced. At Madrid, Ancelotti 'had Toni Kroos as a supply line for Vini. Brazil does not have a Toni Kroos,' said sports writer Tim Vickery on his 'Brazilian Shirt Name' podcast. Ancelotti has recalled Kroos's former Real Madrid midfield partner Casemiro, although the 33-year-old now with Manchester United is primarily a defensive player to add, the coach said, 'charisma, personality and talent.' Find full-backs The supply of swashbuckling fullbacks, such as Carlos Alberto, Cafu and Roberto Carlos – another hallmark of great Brazil teams – has also dried up. Ancelotti has recalled Carlos Augusto, part of the Inter Milan team crushed in the Champions League final, and picked Flamengo duo Wesley Franca and Alex Sandro after seeing them play last week in a 1-0 victory over Venezuelan team Deportivo Tachira in the Copa Libertadores. Win back the fans Ancelotti needs to rebuild the bond between the team and the public. Part of the problem is that after Brazil won five World Cups playing – mostly – the 'jogo bonito' (the beautiful game), fans have little patience with mediocrity. But many supporters have been turned off by the way the famous yellow jersey has been hijacked as a symbol by supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. 'This issue of the extreme right appropriating the jersey has distanced part of the country,' said Kfouri, adding Ancelotti called on the fans when he took the job saying, 'I hope to have the support and help of the country.' — AFP
Arab News
16 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Five challenges Ancelotti faces as Brazil reign kicks off
SAO PAOLO: After a warm welcome to Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao's first foreign coach in more than 50 years, is on a mission to fix a stuttering team and win back fans which starts on Thursday against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier. The 65-year-old Italian led his first training session on Monday in Guayaquil, Ecuador, ahead of what should be his first match, if his move from Real Madrid passes scrutiny by football's governing body FIFA. AFP identifies five issues Ancelotti faces: 'The only goal is to win the 2026 World Cup,' said Ancelotti when he took the job. First he has to get there. The South American group is a two-year, 18-match marathon. Brazil's campaign has included a first-ever home World Cup qualifying defeat, 1-0 at the Maracana to old enemy Argentina, part of a run of three straight defeats in 2023 that ended the coaching reign of Fernando Diniz. Their last match was a 4-1 humiliation in Argentina in March that finished off former coach Dorival Junior. Yet the format is forgiving. The top six in the 10-team group qualify directly for the World Cup. Brazil are fourth, six points clear of Venezuela in seventh with four matches to go. Ecuador may be second in the group, but are only two points ahead of Brazil, who then host Paraguay, who are fifth. Qualifying ends in September with a visit to last-place Chile and a home game against struggling Bolivia. Brazil is still churning out dazzling attackers but the production line has stalled on No. 9s. In this century, Romario, Ronaldo and Adriano have all led the attack and banged in the goals. The nearest player to a classic No. 9 in Ancelotti's first squad is a player he coached at Everton, Richarlison, now of Tottenham. Yet Ancelotti has won without a central striker before. His 2024 Champions League winning side was led by two Brazilians: Vinicius Jr, who is in Ancelotti's squad, and Rodrygo, who he did not select. Ancelotti also has Raphinha of Barcelona, who was joint top scorer in this season's Champions League. A bigger problem might be supplying the attackers, veteran Brazilian football journalist Juca Kfouri told AFP. With Brazil's youth academies focusing on defensive midfielders and quick wingers rather than classic creators, the Selecao faces a shortage of ideas in midfield. In Brazil's last two outings Dorival Junior tried Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Andre and Joelinton in the role. None convinced. At Madrid, Ancelotti 'had Toni Kroos as a supply line for Vini. Brazil does not have a Toni Kroos,' said sports writer Tim Vickery on his 'Brazilian Shirt Name' podcast. Ancelotti has recalled Kroos's former Real Madrid midfield partner Casemiro, although the 33-year-old now with Manchester United is primarily a defensive player to add, the coach said, 'charisma, personality and talent.' The supply of swashbuckling fullbacks, such as Carlos Alberto, Cafu and Roberto Carlos — another hallmark of great Brazil teams — has also dried up. Ancelotti has recalled Carlos Augusto, part of the Inter Milan team crushed in the Champions League final, and picked Flamengo duo Wesley Franca and Alex Sandro after seeing them play last week in a 1-0 victory over Venezuelan team Deportivo Tachira in the Copa Libertadores. Ancelotti needs to rebuild the bond between the team and the public. Part of the problem is that after Brazil won five World Cups playing — mostly — the 'jogo bonito' (the beautiful game), fans have little patience with mediocrity. But many supporters have been turned off by the way the famous yellow jersey has been hijacked as a symbol by supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro. 'This issue of the extreme right appropriating the jersey has distanced part of the country,' said Kfouri, adding Ancelotti called on the fans when he took the job saying, 'I hope to have the support and help of the country.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
📋 Vasco v Red Bull Bragantino: line-ups set at São Januário
It's Brasileirão night for Vasco and Red Bull Bragantino this Saturday (31). The duel will kick off at 9pm (Brasília time). It's valid for the 11th round of the competition and will take place at São Januário. Advertisement Table situations 📊 The Cruz-Maltino is coming from a setback in the BR. And it seeks to distance itself from the last positions. With ten points, it is in 15th place. On the other hand, Massa Bruta reacted in the last round, reaching 20 points. It's the team that closes the G-4. Vasco 💢 The team of Fernando Diniz comes from qualification to the South American playoffs. And it bets on the home factor once again. Luiz Gustavo and Hugo Moura are suspended. Lucas Freitas continues in the defense. And the midfield will have Jair, Tchê Tchê, and Coutinho. The good moment of Rayan is a trump card. Red Bull Bragantino 🐂 Advertisement The team from Bragança Paulista had a free week of work. Fernando Seabra lost two starters: Guzmán Rodrigues and Lucas Barbosa - both are suspended. Eduardo enters in the defense. And Pitta starts in the attack. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. 📸 Buda Mendes - 2025 Getty Images
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
📋 Vasco line-up set for Copa Sudamericana clash with Melgar
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. It's a more than decisive night for Vasco in the Copa Sudamericana. Soon, starting at 7 PM (Brasília time), the Cruz-Maltino faces Melgar. The match is at São Januário and is valid for the sixth and final round of Group G of the Situation 📊 Lanús leads with 11 points and has already secured a direct spot in the round of 16. The advantage to secure second place is with Melgar, who has seven points. The Cruz-Maltino appears with five and needs to win or win in front of their fans. Whoever qualifies will have a playoff (home and away) against a team that finished third in their Libertadores group to seek the round of 16 in the Sudamericana. And such a spot for the playoffs will guarantee $500,000 (R$ 2.8 million). Vasco 💢 After a good victory over Fortaleza, Vasco struggled to advance in the Copa do Brasil and was defeated in the derby against Fluminense. Fernando Diniz is only missing one starter: Hugo Moura, who was sent off in the last round of the Sudamericana. Paulinho is another who is suspended. Jair won the "battle" with Matheus Carvalho and will be a starter. Coutinho returns after being absent against Fluminense due to suspension. Another new feature is in defense: Lucas Freitas is back. Melgar 🇵🇪 The Cruz-Maltino rival led by Wálter Ribonetto comes from one victory and four draws in the Peruvian league. They have 25 points against 26 of Universitario, the leader, and Alianza Lima. The mission is to have good performance when in possession of the ball, as they have the same five goals scored as Vasco - three of them in the draw between both in the first leg. Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
📋 Fluminense and Vasco line-ups confirmed for Brasileirão derby
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. Fluminense and Vasco face off at Maracanã this Saturday (24), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), opening the tenth round of the Brasileirão the Tricolor from Laranjeiras is in seventh place with 14 points, Cruz-Maltino is in 13th place with 10 points. In relation to the last game (4 x 1 against Aparecidense, for the Copa do Brasil), coach Renato Gaúcho opted for the entries of Guga, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Renê, Martinelli and Lima in the places of Samuel Xavier, Thiago Santos, Ignácio, Fuentes, Nonato and Ganso, respectively, in Fluminense. Only Samuel Xavier was replaced due to a physical problem. The others are due to squad rotation or technical issue. As for Vasco, which comes from a penalty shootout victory over Operário-PR, also in the knockout tournament, coach Fernando Diniz chose to only put Matheus Cocão in place of Coutinho. O #TimeDeGuerreiros está escalado para a partida contra o Vasco. VAMOS PRA CIMA, FLUZíO! 🇭🇺 — Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) May 24, 2025 O 𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗗𝗔 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗔 está escalado assim pelo técnico Fernando Diniz para o clássico 📋💢#fluxVAS#EscalaçãoVasco#VascoDaGama — Vasco da Gama (@VascodaGama) May 24, 2025 📸 Wagner Meier - 2021 Getty Images
