Why Did Igor Thiago Start for Brazil? Forward Disappoints as Calls for Endrick Grow Louder at World Cup
Ancelotti’s surprise selection of the Brentford striker drew scrutiny after Brazil managed only one goal and finished with a 1-1 draw.
- On Saturday, Brazil began its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, as the Selecao struggled to maintain attacking momentum.
- Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti selected striker Igor Thiago over Matheus Cunha to start, banking on the 24-year-old Brentford forward's sensational Premier League season where he scored 22 goals in 38 matches.
- During his 65 minutes on the pitch, Thiago recorded only 16 touches and completed five passes, missing an open header in the 14th minute and firing a weak effort in the 52nd minute.
- Following the draw, Brazil media and fans questioned Ancelotti's decision-making, with Former Brazil international Felipe Melo expressing confusion on the show Selecao Copa about why 19-year-old forward Endrick did not play.
- Ancelotti deflected criticism, stating, "I am not here to speak about individuals, only the team," while Brazil prepares for remaining Group C matches against Scotland and Haiti.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Why did Igor Thiago start for Brazil? Forward disappoints as calls for Endrick grow louder at World Cup
One big issue for Brazil in their World Cup opener was a lack of attacking threat, as striker Igor Thiago was a black hole up front, leading to Morocco keying on Vinicius Jr in their 1-1 draw.
The climb chosen by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's debut in the 2026 World Cup draws attention to the lack of international filming on their part. Of the 11 headlines climbed against Morocco, three came to the World Cup with less than ten matches for the Brazilian team, and lead the list of less experienced debuters with the jersey of the selection since 1986: Igor Thiago, Ibañez and Douglas Santos. With only four games played by the main selectio…
Brazil striker Thiago to start World Cup match against Morocco
Focus should be on preparing Neymar for the knockout stage: Jose Barreto - Sports News Portal
Images: X Debasis Sen, Kolkata Five-time champions Brazil survived a scare in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side managed to salvage a 1-1 draw, courtesy of a brilliant strike from Vinicius Jr. Ancelotti’s decision to start Brentford striker Igor Thiago ahead of Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, and Endrick has come under criticism. Thiago clearly struggled to combine effec…
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