Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes Raphinha will lift Brazil's attack against Paraguay

 

Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti is pinning his hopes on Raphinha to revitalize the team’s attack in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on June 10, 2025, in São Paulo. The Barcelona forward missed Brazil’s last match, a goalless draw against Ecuador, due to a suspension for accumulating yellow cards. Ancelotti believes Raphinha’s return will address the lack of offensive spark seen in Quito, where a subpar pitch hindered Brazil’s performance.  

Raphinha, who has had an outstanding season with 34 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona, is a key figure in Ancelotti’s tactical vision. The coach is likely to deploy a formation without a traditional striker, relying on Raphinha’s versatility and flair alongside Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. Neymar, still recovering, will not feature, placing further emphasis on Raphinha to deliver. Ancelotti has alternated between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2 setup, with Raphinha expected to play a pivotal role in either system, leveraging his Ballon d’Or caliber form.

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The Seleção are under pressure to secure a convincing win after their uninspiring performance against Ecuador. Brazil’s attacking depth, led by Raphinha, is seen as crucial to breaking down Paraguay’s defense. Ancelotti’s confidence in the 28-year-old stems from his ability to create and score, making him a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. The match offers Raphinha a chance to prove his importance to Brazil’s World Cup ambitions, as they aim to climb the South American qualifying table. Fans are eager to see if the dynamic winger can deliver a standout performance and help Brazil rediscover their attacking rhythm in front of their home crowd.