sports
'More pressure than the president': Ancelotti sets out to end Brazil’s World Cup drought
Last triumph was in 2002 but Italian head coach, without Neymar against Morocco, brings ‘joy and enthusiasm’
TL;DR
- Brazil, seeking their sixth World Cup title, draws parallels to their 1994 triumph, including a difficult qualifying campaign.
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti brings 'joy and enthusiasm' and aims to manage pressure, which he compares to the presidency.
- The team faces a challenging opening match against Morocco without the injured Neymar.
- Key players include Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Casemiro, with teenager Endrick vying for a starting forward spot.
- Brazil has a strong defensive foundation but concerns exist regarding the full-back positions.
- Neymar is the only surviving player from the 2014 semi-final thrashing against Germany.