The ‘disappearance’ of Ibañez and Igor Thiago from the Brazilian national team after their World Cup debut has ignited debate about Carlo Ancelotti‘s choices and the search for the ideal lineup.
The World Cup is a stage where every decision by a coach can change a nation’s destiny. And in the heart of Brazilian fans, Carlo Ancelotti‘s choices for the Brazilian national team are always a cause for fervor. The debut against Morocco, which ended in a tepid 1-1 draw, brought two surprises to the starting lineup: Ibañez and Igor Thiago. Since that match, however, the duo seems to have vanished from the field, raising questions and stirring things up behind the scenes for the ‘Amarelinha’ (national team).
The fact that both have not played a single minute in the following three matches – against Haiti, Scotland, and Japan – mirrors the intensity and the need for immediate results in such a grand tournament. The expectation is that both will remain on the bench for the decisive clash against Norway in the round of 16, at the New York/New Jersey stadium. What explains this drastic change? The reasons are complex, permeated by tactical issues and, undeniably, by the performance of their direct competitors.
Ibañez: From Bet to Intense Competition at Right-Back
The bet on Ibañez as a right-back, a position adapted for the 27-year-old center-back, emerged as an alternative to the absence of Éder Militão. His solid performance in pre-World Cup friendlies seemed to have earned him Ancelotti‘s trust, who selected him for the match against Morocco aiming for a more physically robust team, favoring him over the experienced Danilo.
However, the official debut was not as expected. Ibañez‘s flank was exploited, and he received a yellow card in the first half, being replaced by Danilo at halftime. The veteran from Flamengo came in and brought the necessary security, consolidating his position in the following matches. The demand for greater involvement with the ball against less offensive opponents, a strong point for Danilo, only reinforced this change.
Igor Thiago: The Striker Who Didn’t Find the Goal
Igor Thiago‘s call-up generated great expectation, boosted by his spectacular season at Brentford, where he scored 22 goals and was the second-highest scorer in the English Championship, only behind Haaland. His physical strength and presence in the box qualified him to start against Morocco, with Ancelotti seeking a more static striker.
However, his performance on the field fell short. Discreet in the 62 minutes played, Igor missed a clear header chance and failed to impact the game. For the next match against Haiti, Ancelotti‘s coaching staff opted for a tactical change, making way for Matheus Cunha, who offered more mobility and link-up play. The new formation proved successful, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice against Haiti and once more against Scotland, solidifying his starting position.
Carlo Ancelotti himself detailed the difference between the forwards:
“Matheus is more involved with the team, has great quality in his positioning and a very strong finish. Thiago is a totally different striker, very powerful, very intelligent, and very strong in the box.”
Although Igor Thiago was considered for entering later games and even tested for the duel against Norway, players like Endrick, Martinelli, and Danilo Santos have shown a greater advantage in the competition for spots.
Football is dynamic, and the World Cup is the ultimate test of this maxim. The ‘disappearance’ of Ibañez and Igor Thiago, far from being a final verdict, is a testament to Ancelotti‘s relentless pursuit of the perfect team and constant tactical adaptation. As the Brazilian national team prepares for the round of 16, the competition for each position remains fierce, with ‘Raça, Amor e Paixão’ (Grit, Love, and Passion) pulsing in every decision. The future of these athletes in the competition, though uncertain for the upcoming matches, may still hold twists, proving that in the World Cup, nothing is definitive until the final whistle.
