FIFA World Cup 2026: How Carlo Ancelotti unlocked Vinicius Jr’s best for Brazil | Football news
The match was yet to reach the first hydration break. Brazil were already enjoying the gift of an early goal. In the 22nd minute, open goal scorer Vinicius Junior set up Scotland defender Jack Hendry and crossed for what looked to be Brazil’s second. The Scots looked dejected, but ready to move on. Vinicius celebrated in his signature style with his team-mates, only for VAR to step in and call a foul on Hendry in the build-up – the softest touch possible which apparently prevented the defender.Real Madrid’s Vinicius could have exploded at such a decision and invited a card. But on Wednesday, the 25-year-old offered only a mild reaction. He was ready for the next game, scored again, missed a few more and helped Brazil cruise into the Round of 32 as the top team in Group C, ahead of Morocco. While Vinicius deserves praise for four goals in three games and becoming the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group games, his composure stands out. This is where “the Mister”, Carlo Ancelotti, intervenes.If the Italian gentleman made the Brazilian a transformed player in the colors of the Selecao since he took charge, it was also Ancelotti who helped Vinicius turn a new leaf in his Real Madrid career in 2021, when the Italian returned to the Spanish giants for a second spell.Vinicius had endured a miserable season under the outgoing Zinedine Zidane and was often second choice to Eden Hazard whenever the Belgian was fit. Rodrygo, the other Brazilian in the team, was even more fond of Zidane. But Ancelotti took it upon himself to make the temperamental Vinicius the first winning project of his final stint at the club.A winger who could take the best with his speed – but had looked stuck in the opposition box until then – finally found his feet. The coach instilled faith in Vinicius, treated him with affection and made a crucial tactical tweak: he prevented him from taking more than one touch before shooting or playing the final ball into the box. A player who had scored a total of 15 goals in the previous three seasons finished with 22 in Ancelotti’s first year, including the winning strike in the Champions League. Add the assists and Real had a star that could no longer be ignored.A relationship was forged; mutual trust was created. Even when Real struggled during the 2024-25 season, with Vinicius and Kylian Mbappé often criticized for not doing enough defensive work, Ancelotti never threw him under the bus. “I’ll replace you if you don’t run,” Ancelotti was heard telling the Brazilian during a tough La Liga game. But once in the press room, in front of a hungry Madrid media, there was not a word against Vinicius.The tactician knew then that he had to take over Brazil’s job and there was no way he was going to lose his first weapon. Through thick and thin, two men separated by 42 years stood by each other. The older saw the younger mature. This helped Brazil negotiate the troubled waters of the World Cup group stage after a disastrous qualifying campaign in which they finished fifth.“‘Mister’ knows how to handle situations and has the ability to understand the training needed for the team he manages. He can also keep the dressing room happy and keep the morale of the team,” said Vinicius in the mixed zone on Wednesday, praising Ancelotti.While a 3-0 win was all well and good, with Matheus Cunha adding the finale, what was encouraging was the subdued euphoria of Vinicius and his teammates. They know that in a bloated world cup of 48 teams, this is just a baby step and the first real challenge awaits.Vinicius did very well, but the clear opportunities he squandered on Wednesday could also hurt Brazil when push comes to shove. To his credit, he puts in the extra effort, to pressure the defenders to follow when necessary, but Brazil expected a stronger final result, especially when his xG read 3.2.There is still no clarity on the physical form of Raphinha, while Neymar was back in national colors after 981 days and Cunha looked strong. The midfield comprising Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes is not elite, while right-back Danilo left European shores some time ago.From what we have seen of Brazil so far, they are no better than France, Spain, Argentina or the Netherlands. But Ancelotti knows how to get the best out of a team when it’s not playing at its absolute best.If the tactician is to translate his club’s success into World Cup glory, Vinicius will become AC Milan’s Kaka, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo or just Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Can the “Lord” shepherd his child to the gold standard of greatness? Brazil is waiting to find the answer.
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