From the Guardian · · 2m
Brazil's unlikely Townsville reboot begins
The five-time world champions arrive in regional Australia for friendlies as they search for answers after their earliest World Cup exit in decades.
In brief
The five-time world champions arrive in regional Australia for friendlies as they search for answers after their earliest World Cup exit in decades. Brazil are at a crossroads after their worst World Cup performance since 1990, and new coach Carlo Ancelotti must rebuild the team starting with matches in Townsville and…
Brazil lands in rugby league country
The Seleção arrived in Townsville on Thursday to prepare for friendlies against Australia. The regional city of 200,000 is better known for rugby league than football.
Superstars meet small-town chaos
Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Marquinhos rubbed shoulders with 80 junior rugby league teams at Townsville airport. The city is hosting a street party with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, capoeira and line dancing.
Ancelotti begins his World Cup cycle
Carlo Ancelotti is starting his first full World Cup cycle as Brazil coach. He's staying near the Mad Cow Tavern and will face old friend Tony Popovic, who once worked under him at Milan and Bayern Munich.
“"We are good friends. Sometimes we have the possibility to meet to talk about football."”
Queensland government bankrolled the tour
The Queensland government worked with promoters and the Brazilian federation to bring Brazil to Townsville as part of its major events strategy. Hotels across town are fully booked.
Brazil's World Cup drought deepens
Brazil crashed out to Norway in the last 16, their earliest elimination since 1990. By 2030, it will be 28 years since their last World Cup win in 2002, their longest drought since 1958.
Why Brazil's dominance is fading
Theories range from a rise in Pentecostalism replacing Catholicism to cash-spinning overseas tours replacing connection with their football-obsessed population. The Uefa Nations League has also reduced matches against European rivals.
Ancelotti tasked with rebuilding
The new coach must find a new generation of players for the World Cup and Copa America. He called the Townsville match important, not friendly, as Brazil begins its search for answers.
“"For Brazil, it will never be a friendly game. It will be an important game."”
A nation at an inflection point
Brazil has landed at a crossroads after another World Cup failure. The Seleção's legacy of five world titles and iconic players like Pelé and Ronaldinho demands respect, but recent results tell a different story.
The bottom line
Brazil are at a crossroads after their worst World Cup performance since 1990, and new coach Carlo Ancelotti must rebuild the team starting with matches in Townsville and Brisbane.
