Carlo Ancelotti experienced a disappointing debut as the head coach of Brazil on Thursday night (Dutch time). The Brazilians were held to a goalless draw against Ecuador in the World Cup qualifying series.
Brazil forced few chances against the number two team in the rankings. Viniciús Júnior came closest to scoring the opening goal at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, but he was stopped by the home team’s goalkeeper.
Thus, Ancelotti has a disappointing start to his time with Brazil. The 65-year-old Italian recently moved to the ‘Seleção’ after his four-year period at Real Madrid came to an end. He coached his last match in Madrid two weeks ago.
Ancelotti spoke of an “emotional” debut after the match. “It was a special match, even though I have coached about eighteen hundred matches as a trainer. I look back on a good match. We can be satisfied, even though we could have done better on the ball.”
The players felt the same way. “The atmosphere is good. Little by little we are getting better,” said the returned Casemiro. “Ancelotti has not yet had time to show us his game plan. We have only trained for two or three days,” added Viniciús.
Despite the draw, Brazil is well on its way to qualifying directly for the World Cup, which will be held next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The five-time world champion is fourth in the World Cup qualifying series. The best six countries in South America go directly to the World Cup.