Brazil’s Ancelotti project still searching for balance

Brazil remain unsettled in the balance between midfield control and wide attacking talent. The 4-2-4 exposed structural problems, while adding a midfielder improved the platform for Vinícius; experiments with Bontempo, Andrey Santos, Bidon and Lino will continue into November friendlies against Japan and Singapore. Recent power rankings view Brazil more favorably after improved results, though the evidence remains mixed.