Brazil journey to the excessive altitude of El Alto to face Bolivia of their ultimate match of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with their ticket to the event already secured. For the Selecão’s final aggressive sport of 2025, probably the most notable absence from the beginning lineup was Raphinha, who started the match on the bench.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s determination concerning Raphinha sparked dialogue, notably amongst Barcelona followers, particularly after no Actual Madrid gamers have been included on this call-up for Brazil. The winger began in Thursday’s 3-0 win over Chile, so his omission towards Bolivia got here as a shock.
Ancelotti opted to relaxation Raphinha towards Bolivia, given the workforce’s qualification is already assured. After logging 79 minutes versus Chile, the Italian coach selected to rotate his squad, with Lucas Paquetá taking Raphinha’s spot within the attacking midfield position behind the striker.
In his Monday press convention, Ancelotti defined the necessity for changes: “We’re going to change not solely the technique but additionally some gamers. Will probably be a unique strategy. We’ve to play in another way than we did towards Chile, which was a sport of excessive depth and stress, and that may’t be finished at altitude.”
Lucas Paqueta of Brazil celebrates after scoring the workforce’s second aim with teammate Raphinha throughout the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Chile.
The coach additionally underlined the challenges of Bolivia’s elevation, one thing totally new to him. “It might be a brand new expertise for me, however Brazil has already performed many matches there, and we’ve many individuals with that have, together with gamers, docs, and physiotherapists. I’ve to belief individuals who have extra data than I do,” he added.
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