Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti says he now knows his definitive starting XI for the upcoming World Cup after they wrapped up their tournament preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.
A sharp, seventh-minute opener from Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães was quickly cancelled out by Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko following a rare defensive lapse from Marquinhos.
However, second-half substitute Endrick proved to be the difference-maker, sweeping home a low cross from Raphinha just six minutes after the interval to secure Brazil’s third consecutive warm-up win.
The match provided the clarity Ancelotti was looking for ahead of their tournament opener in North America.
“I have the starting XI for Morocco, yes,” he said. “I have a clear idea.
“We were very good for 60 minutes, we pressed high and were strong defensively and offensively.”
Despite making a sweeping eight changes at halftime, it was the integration of his core leaders alongside emerging young talent like 19-year-old Endrick that pleased the manager most.
For Ancelotti, balancing that youthful exuberance with seasoned tournament experience will be the foundation of Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth world title.
“The team played with intensity for 60 minutes,” he said.
“The team needed to have more control but I have certainty.”
The evening wasn’t entirely seamless for the Seleção. Marquinhos’ misplaced backpass to Alisson in the 11th minute gifted Egypt an equalizer and served as a stark warning of how unforgiving football at the highest level can be.
Ancelotti, however, preferred to view the defensive slip-up as a timely wake-up call before the real action begins next weekend.
“We played well, but we lacked concentration for a five-minute spell in the first half and we were punished.” he said.
“At a World Cup, you don’t get a second chance to fix those mistakes. But I am not worried; it is better to have these reminders now than next Saturday.”
The biggest bright spot of the second half was undoubtedly Endrick. Having struggled to find the net in recent matches, the teenage forward showed immense sharpness to finish a left-footed strike in the 51st minute, drawing high praise from his manager.
“Endrick was very powerful, he takes up great positions in the box,” Ancelotti said.
“He can be an important player for us – he needs to keeep going. He is very important for our build-up play.”
Roma right back Wesley left the field in tears after what appeared to be a serious muscle injury in his left leg, which might take him out of the World Cup. Teams can change players up to one day before their first games.
Up Next: The World Cup Group Stage
Brazil now depart Cleveland to focus entirely on Group F, where their World Cup campaign begins in earnest next week.
Ancelotti’s men face a highly competitive group stage schedule:
- Brazil vs. Morocco – Saturday, June 13
- Brazil vs. Scotland – Thursday, June 18
- Brazil vs. Haiti – Tuesday, June 23
