Soccer
Brazil's Ancelotti dismisses notion that stars will decide the World Cup
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Brazil relied on a moment of magic from Vinicius Jr. to rescue a 1-1 draw with Morocco, and the Real Madrid star will be called upon to produce more of the same as the World Cup rolls on.
But with a game against Haiti looming early tomorrow, and Scotland lying in wait next week, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti suggested individual brilliance is not all it's cracked up to be.
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Ancelotti: Stars won't decide World Cup
"I think that the stars aren't going to determine this World Cup," he said at yesterday's press conference.
The reasoning behind his words is the relentless pace and determination of the lower-ranked sides at the tournament.
MAURO PIMENTEL / Contributor
"I've seen underdog teams that play football very well, a high-intensity style of football, and I think it's going to be a World Cup of high-intensity football," he continued.
The Italian singled out Argentina as one team that has done well despite adopting a more patient approach, before doubling down on his assertion that tenacity could decide games.
"There are teams that have really stood out in this first part of the tournament. Fighting a lot, defending very aggressive with great intensity," he added.
No excuses for Brazil vs. Haiti
Coming from the manager of a team that includes the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, his words may come as a surprise to some.
You decide whether it's an excuse for the subpar Morocco result, mind games ahead of playing minnows Haiti, or a genuine observation with no ulterior motives.
Either way, even in a World Cup littered with shock results so far, nothing Don Carlo says will silence the uproar if Brazil don't secure all three points tomorrow.
