Ronaldo questions Ancelotti's tactics after Brazil draw

Ronaldo Nazário has questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical choices after Brazil’s uneven start at the World Cup, pointing to Raphinha’s positioning in the draw with Morocco.

The former Brazil and Real Madrid striker, who played under Ancelotti at Milan, said Raphinha was used on the left despite coming through an excellent season at Barcelona on the right. Speaking on ESPN Brazil’s Resenha da Copa before Brazil’s match with Haiti, Ronaldo said some of the decisions were difficult to understand.

He added that the pressure of the match appeared to affect Brazil’s technical play, while also crediting Morocco for their performance. Ronaldo described Morocco as fast, strong, disciplined and well organised.

Despite his criticism, Ronaldo backed Ancelotti to sort out the issues. He called the Italian a “phenomenon” with the experience, communication and man-management to improve the team, and said the problems identified would be corrected.