The Formation of a New...

The World Cup is progressing, and I’m pleased to report that the Brazil team is also coming together nicely.

It appears that Carlo Ancelotti has discovered his optimal starting XI as we continue to build momentum and confidence with each group stage match.

We’re improving at just the right moment, and we need to be, particularly since Japan presents a significant challenge in the round of 32.

It feels like we’re on the right path, much thanks to Matheus Cunha, who has been pivotal to our successes.

It’s amusing to acknowledge this since traditionally, Brazil fans expect a classic number nine to spearhead the attack, whereas Cunha offers a different style.

He plays more like a nine-and-a-half—capable of functioning as a striker while also contributing as a playmaker, linking up and creating opportunities for others.

Hence, he doesn’t resemble legends like Ronaldo, Adriano, or Romario, who were notable goal scorers. Yet, he’s shown he can find the back of the net, scoring three times in this tournament, indicating he’s also effective in attack.

What he brings to the team is something Brazil has perhaps never possessed in the traditional centre-forward role.

‘Brazil didn’t know who our best number nine was’

Cunha somewhat reminds me of my former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino because of his tendency to drop deep, causing confusion for defenders assigned to mark him.

If a defender tracks him, it opens up more opportunities for players like Vinicius Jr and Rayan. If the defender leaves him unmarked, Cunha can exploit the space to receive the ball and either create chances or take a shot himself.

Cunha appears to embrace his role, effectively contributing defensively as well, initiating the press or adopting a deeper position in front of the midfield, thus improving the balance of our attack.

Image 1/2 showing how Matheus Cunha drops deep to get the ball and then can carry it into the opposition half. Here, Cunha (shown by the star) is in his own half to help break up a Scotland attack and has just collected the ball from Brazil's right-back Danilo... — Cunha (highlighted by the star) is deep in his own half helping to halt a Scotland attack and just received the ball from Brazil’s right-back Danilo… [BBC Sport]

Image 2/2 showing how Matheus Cunha has had the space to burst forward, carrying the ball into the Scotland half and with Vinicius Jr and Rayan staying high up the pitch in front of him he has runners to feed and attempt a decisive pass — …Cunha (highlighted, playing the pass, centre) utilizes space to drive into the Scotland half, while Vinicius Jr and Rayan hold favorable positions ahead, allowing him to provide key passes [BBC Sport]

It was certainly unusual for Brazil to approach a World Cup without clarity on who our foremost number nine was.

Even heading into the match against Scotland, there was uncertainty regarding the first-choice centre-forward.

I don’t believe Ancelotti knew this before the tournament either, as he experimented with Cunha, Igor Thiago, Endrick, Joao Pedro, and Richarlison in varying capacities.

Injuries sometimes do help managers finalize their plans, leading to a solution that yields success, and it appears Brazil has benefited this time.

Raphinha is an exceptional talent but his movements vary significantly. In the opening match against Morocco, he operated as a number 10 behind Thiago but when he sustained a hamstring injury against Morocco, Rayan stepped in who tends to play more rigidly on the right.

This setup, with Vinicius on one flank and Rayan on the other, averted Cunha from being isolated, providing him ample space to operate, which compliments his playing style.

Of course, things can change; Thiago provides a different dynamic, especially if we need to chase a game or contend with a more physically dominant opponent. His presence allows him to stay nearer to the centre-backs and occupy that space effectively.

What’s crucial is Ancelotti now has options, and it’ll be intriguing to see his next moves.

Back home, the sentiment is shifting, with many starting to believe Cunha is the solution, and I sincerely hope he maintains this performance level.

Other teams are certainly becoming aware of his capabilities, but Cunha is a clever player, making him a challenge to defend against.

Matheus Cunha's touch map for Brazil against Scotland — Cunha’s touch map against Scotland highlights that 15 of his 38 touches (39%) occurred in his own half, similar to his performance in the second match against Haiti, where 14 of 41 (34%) touches were in their own half or the center circle [BBC]

‘Our identity is to be adaptable’

All that I’ve shared can be attributed to the manager. One of Ancelotti’s greatest strengths is that he is incredibly adaptable.

Having managed in various leagues with different clubs and players, he has consistently achieved success. While his man-management is frequently praised, people sometimes overlook his tactical prowess.

One aspect I’ve noticed about Ancelotti’s Brazil is their comfort in allowing opponents to hold the ball. We’re not a team that hinges on controlling 70% possession at all times.

There are moments when ceding possession can create challenges for them. By positioning ourselves effectively and pressing at ideal times with the right intensity, we can capitalize on mistakes.

This strategy paid off against Scotland, as evidenced by our first goal, and even the second, which was unfortunately disallowed; it wasn’t luck. We netted similar goals before the tournament in friendly matches against Panama and Egypt as well.

Against Scotland, we allowed them to control the ball and guided their players into areas of our choosing.

Although we didn’t dominate possession, we dictated the game and pressed at the appropriate moments. This was a calculated move by Ancelotti, and it paid off.

There’s a fascination around a team’s identity—whether it’s about consistently maintaining possession and attacking, or being defensive and seeking counterattacks.

With Ancelotti, we adjust based on our opponent and the game’s context. If the team possesses such adaptable players, then why not also adapt as a unit?

‘This is a new Brazil – we need to be different’

Graphic showing Brazil's starting XI versus Scotland: Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Vinicius Junior & Matheus Cunha — [BBC]

This represents a new era for Brazil, and we must evolve away from the past.

This doesn’t imply we are retreating defensively or failing to score; rather, this World Cup marks the first time we don’t have our full-backs charging forward as we traditionally witness from icons like Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Maicon, Marcelo, or Dani Alves.

Instead, we’ve seen more reserved runs from players like Douglas Santos and Roger Ibanez or Danilo, allowing Vinicius to remain higher up the pitch and fresh for attacking plays.

The back line appears stable, and there’s a commendable balance in midfield.

Initially, in the Morocco matchup, Casemiro was left quite isolated in the midfield, leading to some criticism afterwards; however, that wasn’t his responsibility—his role has never been about being everywhere making tackles, and at 34, it certainly isn’t now.

Since then, we’ve transitioned from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-3-3. Consequently, if Bruno Guimaraes advances as intended, Casemiro benefits from having Lucas Paqueta alongside him.

This adjustment has provided better control in our matches against Haiti and Scotland and will be crucial against Japan, who have a more dynamic and threatening attack than either of those teams.

With only one goal conceded thus far and seven scored, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. Ultimately, however, consistent victories are what matter the most.

That’s what brings joy to Brazilian fans, and currently, they are smiling. Before our first match, there was some anxiety, and following it, many were genuinely concerned. But after three matches, excitement is back in the air.

Lucas Leiva was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.

The Formation of a New…