FIFA World Cup 2026: Ancelotti hails Neymar, Vinicius after Brazil seal knockouts spot
Florida, June 25
Following his side's win over Scotland that helped them confirm their ticket to the knockout stages of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed star player Neymar's undying passion for the nation and youngster Vinicius Jr as "one of the best in the world".
Brazil secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland in their final Group C match at Miami Stadium on Wednesday, June 24 (local time). Vinicius Junior starred for the five-time world champions, scoring twice in the first half before Matheus Cunha added a third after the break to seal top spot in the group for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Another big positive was the return of legendary striker Neymar to action in the second half, in the final few minutes as a substitute.
Following an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Morocco, Brazil delivered two back-to-back statement performances with 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland.
Ancelotti said, as quoted by Reuters, that now the team looks like they are playing as a unit, but still need to improve in some things, like being quicker while having the ball.
"I am happy because the team has improved since the opening match. Being solid is very important now that we've reached the knockout stages," he added.
Brazil's next opponent in the round of 32 would be the second-placed team from Group F, with the Netherlands, Sweden or Japan as potential challengers.
The biggest positive of the day was Neymar, who featured in his first match in national colours for the first time since 2023. Ancelotti hailed the veteran, saying that he earned his chance and his passion for the badge stays the same as it was during his days as a youngster.
"He got the chance to play because he deserved it, he worked hard to recover," Ancelotti said. "I think that in this World Cup, given his qualities, he can help the team. He played for just a few minutes, but he played well."
"Neymar doesn't need any motivation to play, no player needs motivation to wear the Brazil shirt. He is 34-years-old and still has the same passion as a young boy," he continued.
Vinicius, who now has five goals in the tournament so far, was praised by Ancelotti for his versatility and the Brazil coach added that he had no doubt about whether he could reach such a big level. Vini is in great form at the moment, and the team helps him a lot. "He can play in various positions, both on the inside and on the wing," he said.
"It is very rewarding to see Vinicius like this. I had no doubt he could reach this level. I was not the one who discovered Vini, he is a top-class player, one of the best in the world," he continued.
Even after sealing the spot in the knockouts, Ancelotti does not want his team to get carried away, having not won the title since 2002.
"I have not set a target for how far we can go. The aim is not just to play well, the aim is to win. A manager is judged by victory or defeat, not by whether the team plays well or badly."
On what he would tell an excited fanbase back home, Ancelotti signed off by saying, "Stay calm."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ancelotti saying "stay calm" is exactly what every Indian fan needs to hear during our own cricket matches! 😅 But seriously, Brazil looks scary good now. Vinicius Jr is definitely top 3 players in the world right now. The way he cuts inside from the left is unstoppable.
"He can play in various positions" - this is exactly what makes Vinicius so valuable. Unlike some players who are one-dimensional (looking at you, some European stars), Vini can adapt. But I'm worried about Neymar's fitness. 34 years old, coming back from injury, just 10 minutes of play? That's a gamble in knockouts. Ancelotti needs to manage him carefully.
Being from the US but living in India, I love seeing the passion for football grow here. Brazil's 3-0 wins back-to-back are statement performances, but Scotland was not that strong. The real test will be against Netherlands or Sweden in round of 32. Ancelotti's experience will be crucial. Good luck to the Seleção!
One thing that impressed me is how Ancelotti turned the team around after that 1-1 draw against Morocco. That shows a good coach. "A manager is judged by victory or defeat" - absolutely right. Hope India can learn from such professional attitudes. But honestly, I think Japan could upset them in the next round. They've been impressive too!
Neymar's passion for the badge is unmatched. Even at 34, he's still that young boy
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