"Fear is important": Ancelotti defines feeling before World Cup debut

Coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke this Friday (12) about the feeling of "fear" before the Brazilian team's debut at the 2026 World Cup. He highlighted that the feeling is important to keep the team prepared.

During a press conference before the clash against Morocco, this Saturday (13), Ancelotti recalled the pressure he experienced in big career games and explained how he faces the moment.

Fear is an important thing in life. If you are not afraid, the lion looks like a cat to you. Fear is important to save lives.

Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Brazilian national team

The coach, however, showed confidence for Brazil's debut at the World Cup.

"I'm also an optimist by nature. I think we're prepared to play a great game tomorrow and a great World Cup", he added.

Ancelotti also commented on the absence of Neymar, who will miss the debut after suffering an injury to his right calf on the eve of the tournament. According to the coach, the expectation is that the attacker can return to the group next week.

Neymar will undergo further tests to assess injury - Reproduction/SporTV
"Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that Neymar will be able to return to the group next week. His technical quality is indisputable, but also the experience and example he presents to the rest of the group", said the coach.

Brazil will face Morocco this Saturday (13th), at 7pm (Brasília time), at the New York New Jersey Stadium, in the USA, in the first round of Group C.

Last training session before the World Cup
The Brazilian team held its last training session this Friday (12th) before debuting in the World Cup. The press had limited access to the training, being able to watch only around 15 minutes of the activity before being removed from the site.

Throughout the week, some names emerged as likely starters, even without official confirmation.

Danilo appeared as an option for the side, while Matheus Cunha was named as a likely striker, alongside Vini Júnior and Rafinha.

Paquetá also emerged as a candidate to play in a more advanced midfield, in a role similar to the one he played in the match against Egypt.

However, Ancelotti did not publicly reveal the definitive line-up during the week.

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Source: CNN