CORNERFLICK
Carlo Ancelotti has said Brazil lost their 2026 World Cup last-16 tie against Norway during the hydration break, after a 2-1 defeat that ended their campaign.
What Ancelotti said
Speaking to ESPN, the Brazil coach said his team had controlled the match until the cooling break. He added that Norway kept the ball in their own half and had used the same approach against England.
Ancelotti said he may have made the wrong call by thinking Brazil had lost control and then changing the line-up. He linked that decision to the problem that followed when Erling Haaland scored.
He also said Brazil's style should fit the players available, naming Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Estevao and Raphinha as players who should push the team towards a more direct, forward approach.
Why he turned down Italy
The 67-year-old said his decision to reject an offer from the Italian Football Federation was not about contract terms. Instead, he pointed to his commitment to Brazil and the welcome he received in his first year in charge.
Ancelotti said he wants to continue his work in Brazil.
The source also noted that Italy later appointed Roberto Mancini after Andrea Pirlo was ruled out because of his links to a betting company. Mancini had previously led Italy to Euro 2020.