Brazil’s Vinicius credits Ancelotti for World Cup success

DOHA, Qatar — Brazil ahead Vinicius Junior praised Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti for his success on the World Cup.

Vinicius arrived in Qatar with out realizing if he was going to get an opportunity to start out for Brazil, however heading into Friday’s quarterfinal match towards Croatia nobody questions his spot within the lineup or his significance for the group.

– Bonagura: Neymar’s return has Brazil dancing into quarters
– World Cup bracket: Who plays whom in the knockout round?

The 22-year-old Madrid star mentioned Ancelotti was one of many individuals who gave him steering forward of soccer’s greatest match.

“I talked with Ancelotti and he gave me a lot of advice to help me become a starter with Brazil. He gave me a lot of confidence,” Vinicius mentioned on Wednesday. “He was always was tough with me when he needed to be. He is like a father to me.”

Vinicius was usually questioned at Madrid whereas Zinedine Zidane was the coach, however rapidly established himself as a starter with Ancelotti in command. The Brazil ahead mentioned the Italian coach is at all times sending him messages.

“He is good not only with the technical aspects of the game, but also with how he deals with his players,” added Vinicius. “I have been improving a lot and Ancelotti has helped me with that. He and [Brazil coach] Tite are very similar and they talk to each other a lot.”

Vinicius, who has a purpose and two assists within the three World Cup video games, mentioned he additionally discovered from Madrid midfielder Luka Modric — who will likely be one in all his opponents on Friday at Education City Stadium — including that the cross he gave for Lucas Paquetá’s purpose towards South Korea, utilizing the surface of his foot, was one thing he discovered from the veteran Croatian.

“He is always teaching me things, on and off the field,” Vinicius mentioned. “He helps me every day, making sure I’m always improving. He is a reference to me, playing at a high level at 37 years old, that is something rare. I’m happy that I’ll be playing against him, and let the best team win.”

Within Brazil’s nationwide group, Vinicius mentioned he additionally will get recommendation from Neymar, together with some phrases concerning the significance of taking part in for his nation on the World Cup.

“He told me how the World Cup is different than anything else,” recalled Vinicius. “He told me that, and I always remember it. And when the national anthem played, I realized what it all meant.”

Vinicius was among the many Brazilian gamers criticized for their dance celebrations on the World Cup. He had already been focused due to that whereas with Madrid, however promised much more dancing if Brazil retains succeeding in Qatar.

“The goal is the most important moment in soccer, not only for those who score them but for the entire country,” he mentioned. “We still have many celebrations left, and hopefully we can keep scoring and dancing like this until the final.”