Ancelotti: Nerves Affected Brazil in Morocco Draw

Brazil's World Cup campaign began with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco, a result that left manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledging the team's initial struggles with nerves and possession. The five-time champions conceded an early goal before Vinicius Junior leveled the score in the 32nd minute, but the performance failed to inspire confidence.

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I think the team was a bit anxious in the beginning. Nerves were all over the place. (We) didn't keep a lot of ball possession. In the second half, it was a lot better, but it was still tough, and I'm sure the team will do better in the next match.

"I think the team was a bit anxious in the beginning," Ancelotti, managing his first World Cup match, told reporters. "Nerves were all over the place. (We) didn't keep a lot of ball possession. In the second half, it was a lot better, but it was still tough, and I'm sure the team will do better in the next match."

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We've got to hold on to the ball. We've got to move better. ... But I don't think there's a lot to say now. I think we really have to improve.

Vinicius Junior, who was Brazil's standout player, echoed the sentiment, stating, "We've got to hold on to the ball. We've got to move better. ... But I don't think there's a lot to say now. I think we really have to improve." The Real Madrid star's equalizer came against the run of play, highlighting Brazil's overall disjointed performance despite enjoying majority support at the MetLife Stadium.

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There were two substitutions in the 45th minute and another in the (61st) minute. Do you hear what I'm saying? Two substitutions at 45th minute and another substitution at the (61st) minute. I don't think we lost any time when it comes to substitutions.

Ancelotti faced questions about his tactical decisions, particularly his substitutions. He brought on Fabinho and Danilo in the 61st minute after substituting Casemiro and Roger Ibanez at halftime. "There were two substitutions in the 45th minute and another in the (61st) minute," he stated, defending his timing. He refused to criticize individual players, including Casemiro and Ibanez, instead placing blame on the collective first-half performance. Brazil, ranked seventh in the world, faces Scotland and Haiti next in Group C.

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Those were good players. I think I made the right choices, and I will not take any criticism about the individual players that started the match. I think there's criticism to the entire team that didn't play well during the first half.