Brazil clinch World Cup spot as Carlo Ancelotti enjoys home debut in charge

 Brazil secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a successful home debut for new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian’s second match in charge made for a memorable night in Sao Paulo, courtesy of Vinicius Jr’s 43rd-minute goal.

The hosts dominated possession, but managed just four shots on target as Paraguay took the result down to the wire.

The result was still much-improved from Ancelotti’s debut in last week’s goalless draw against Peru.

The win lifts Brazil to third in South American qualifying, level on points with second-placed Ecuador who sealed their World Cup place with a goalless draw in Peru.

The top six teams in CONMEBOL qualifying receive automatic qualification.

Elsewhere, first-place Argentina drew 1-1 with sixth-place Colombia after Thiago Almada’s goal in the 81st minute cancelled out Luis Diaz’s 24th-minute opener.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/brazil-clinch-world-cup-spot-as-carlo-ancelotti-enjoys-home-debut-in-charge-41230769

CARLO ANCELOTTI LAUDS POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR AT REAL MADRID

 Carlo Ancelotti has touted Xabi Alonso as a future Real Madrid manager and says fans can expect an update on his contract situation soon

The Italian's current deal is due to expire in 2024 and there is significant interest in his services from the Brazilian national team, and talks with the South American nation's football federation have been held.

90min understands that Madrid are prepared to accelerate contract talks with Ancelotti in 2024 with a view to tying the legendary boss down to an extension - something he has now suggested may be his priority.

Alonso, meanwhile, has led Bayer Leverkusen to ten wins in 11 Bundesliga outings, providing a genuine and real threat to Bayern Munich's hopes of a 12th consecutive league title.

"I think I’ve had a great time with him. He is having a fantastic career," Ancelotti said of Alonso in a press conference to the media. "He has the knowledge of football, he has the personality. I really like the way his team plays as a coach.

"He’s one of the coaches I like the most, yes. I like Thiago Motta as well. Obviously Xabi can have the profile to be coach of Madrid, obviously because he knows the club very well."

Ancelotti also spoke about being linked to the Brazil vacancy and confirmed that Madrid supporters and the world will soon know what's going to happen.

"I’m proud that one of the best international teams in the world like Brazil is linked to me, that gives me a lot of pride," he said. "But I have a contract until June 30.

"My future will soon be known. I am here for at least six more months."

Asked whether he would wait until the final day of his current deal with Madrid for an extension to be offered, Ancelotti insisted: "Of course".

Source : https://onefootball.com/en/news/carlo-ancelotti-lauds-potential-successor-at-real-madrid-38618507