Despite a resounding victory over Panama in a friendly match, Ancelotti hopes Brazil will improve the stability of its defense.

Brazil, the "Samba Army," played a friendly match at the Maracanã Stadium and defeated Panama 6-2, thanks to goals from Vinicius, Casemiro, Layan, Paqueta, Igor Thiago, and Danilo Santos. Ancelotti stated that the team lacked cohesion during the game and hoped their defense could be more consistent.

Just two minutes into the match, Casemiro assisted Vinicius Jr.'s long-range shot, giving Brazil a dream start of 1-0. In the 14th minute, Michael Murillo took a free kick, his shot deflected by Cunha and bounced into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Panama.

In the 39th minute, Vinicius assisted Casemiro's header to put Brazil ahead 2-1 against Panama. In the 53rd minute of the second half, Panama goalkeeper Orlando Moscura made a mistake, allowing Rayan to receive a pass from Igor Thiago on the right wing and unleash a long-range shot to extend Brazil's lead to 3-1.

In the 60th minute, Douglas Santos passed the ball across the box, and Paqueta fired a shot into the net, making it 4-1 for Brazil. In the 63rd minute, Igor Thiago converted a penalty, making it 5-1. In the 81st minute, Paqueta assisted Danilo Santos to score, extending Brazil's lead to 6-1. In the 84th minute, Carlos Xavi received the ball outside the box and fired a long-range shot into the net, making it 2-6 for Panama.

Brazil ultimately defeated Panama 6-2 in this friendly match.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti stated, "The team wasn't very compact overall, and we need to improve our defensive solidity. However, the performance in the second half actually raised more questions for me. But that's a good thing; it's a positive question."

Furthermore, Brazil will face Egypt in their next friendly match before focusing on the 2026 World Cup. In their first Group C match of the World Cup, Brazil will play Morocco, alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Speaking about Barcelona striker Rafinha, Ancelotti said, "Rafinha is the best player in the world today at attacking the space behind the defense. When the team has possession, I never need to tell Rafinha where he has to play."

Regarding Neymar's role in the World Cup, Ancelotti stated, "Neymar must play in the position that best suits him. That is in the center of the field, not on the wing. He will not play as a winger; he will appear in the center, as a striker or attacking midfielder, which are the positions that Vinicius and Rafinha play."

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