Brazil's World Cup campaign has been far from convincing, with the five-time champions facing Scotland amid intense debate back home over team selection and performance. Despite boasting stars like Vinícius Júnior, the team has struggled to impress, drawing 1-1 with Morocco and beating Haiti 3-0 in a game that failed to silence critics.
Struggles in the Group Stage
Brazil finished fifth in Conmebol qualifying with 28 points from 18 games, their worst ever campaign. A 2-1 defeat to France in March, followed by wins against Croatia, Panama, and Egypt, gave false hope. Against Morocco, Brazil were outclassed for most of the match, saved only by Vinícius Júnior's individual brilliance. The 3-0 win over Haiti, though comfortable, did little to win over skeptics, with a goalless second half raising concerns.
Mauro Cezar Pereira, a leading Brazilian pundit, noted "apprehension and distrust" among fans. "Those who understand even the basics of football don't have much faith," he said, adding that Carlo Ancelotti's work is "far below what it should be." Paulo Vinícius Coelho, known as PVC, echoed this: "Brazilians feel like we're seeing a team that isn't showing much sign of having a great World Cup."
Neymar Saga Dominates Headlines
Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer, is in the squad but has not played a minute in what is expected to be his final World Cup. The drama over his call-up was worthy of a telenovela, with conspiracy theories about a staged injury and speculation that Ancelotti buckled to public pressure. Pundit Neto criticized Neymar's focus: "Do you see Messi injured with a calf strain? No! When did Messi go 10 days without training? Neymar, that's all I want from you." Pereira added: "Neymar shouldn't even be in the national team. He hasn't played for 36 days."
According to O Globo, the plan is for Neymar to play a few minutes against Scotland only if Brazil are in a "favourable" situation, with concerns about his fitness and rhythm. Ancelotti joked: "I can play 90 minutes walking. Neymar's well, he can play."
Midfield and Attack Adjustments
Casemiro, despite his Champions League pedigree, has been criticized for lack of mobility, though he ran the most against Haiti. Pereira noted improvements: "The midfield improved in the second game, with adjustments in positioning. Lucas Paquetá had a good performance, and Matheus Cunha should never have been dropped." PVC suggested Danilo could add versatility. Up front, Igor Thiago is unlikely to start after a poor performance against Morocco, with Cunha likely to play as a false nine or No. 10, allowing Vinícius Júnior and others to attack.
Low Expectations Back Home
Brazil could face Japan or the Netherlands in the next round, then Germany or France. A quarter-final with England is possible. Pereira warned: "They might not even make it to the last 16." PVC added: "Brazil can improve and try to reach the semi-finals if matchups are easier. But if they lose to Scotland, they could be eliminated." Despite the pressure, Ancelotti's job is safe until after the 2030 World Cup, but the honeymoon period is over.
