Carlo Ancelotti has transformed Brazil from a side in turmoil into genuine World Cup contenders. The Italian now faces his sternest test yet as the Seleção prepare to meet Norway in the last 16, seeking to end a 23-year hoodoo against European opposition in knockout football.
Since taking charge, Ancelotti has shielded a squad battered by instability. The period since Qatar 2022 brought four managerial changes, 95 different call-ups and political upheaval at the Brazilian Football Confederation. Fans arrived at this tournament pessimistic after the longest title drought in the nation’s history—24 years without lifting the trophy.
Mental Resurrection
The turnaround has been remarkable. Goalkeeper Alisson, appearing at his third World Cup, highlighted the shift in atmosphere. “It’s undeniable that this World Cup cycle has been very difficult for us players,” he said. “But since Ancelotti’s arrival, the atmosphere has been transformed. He gives us the peace of mind that comes from an environment focused on work.”
Captain Marquinhos echoed this sentiment, noting that Ancelotti “managed to change our mindset and created a philosophy centred on wellbeing.”
This psychological focus is deliberate. Ancelotti has brought Marisa Santiago onto the coaching staff—the first psychologist to work with Brazil at a World Cup. He consults her daily regarding the squad’s mental preparation.
Japan Victory and Big Calls
The last-32 victory over Japan demonstrated Ancelotti’s decisiveness. After Keishu Sano gave Japan the lead, Brazil faced a scenario that had previously derailed them. Since 2023, they had conceded first on 12 occasions, losing seven.
However, Ancelotti’s half-time intervention proved pivotal. Gabriel Martinelli, who scored the winning goal, revealed the manager’s message. “Ancelotti is an incredible man,” Martinelli told CazeTV. “He gave us a lot of confidence. He said we were going to equalise and then win, that we had to believe in ourselves.”
The Italian has also made bold selection choices. Neymar has featured for just 14 minutes at this tournament, against Scotland, and did not play against Japan. The 34-year-old has accepted his reduced role as Vinícius Júnior assumes status as the team’s star player.
The European Curse
Sunday’s meeting with Norway presents a deeper challenge. Brazil have not defeated a European nation in a World Cup knockout match since beating Germany in the 2002 final. Since then, they have fallen to France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Croatia in successive tournaments.
Neutralising Erling Haaland represents the immediate tactical priority. Yet the psychological barrier may prove equally significant. Ancelotti will rely on Santiago’s expertise to prevent past traumas from resurfacing.
Victory would not merely advance Brazil to the quarter-finals. It would signal that Ancelotti’s methods have cured the deepest wound of all—the inability to overcome European sides when it matters most.