Philadelphia, Jun 20 (V7N) – Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made two changes to his starting lineup for the team's FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Haiti, with Danilo and Matheus Cunha replacing Ibanez and Igor Thiago.
The five-time world champions are set to take on Haiti in Philadelphia, United States, at 6:30 a.m. Bangladesh time on Saturday (June 20).
Ancelotti has brought experienced defender Danilo into the starting XI at right-back in place of Ibanez. In attack, Matheus Cunha has been handed a starting role instead of Igor Thiago.
Despite criticism following Brazil's opening match, Ancelotti has retained his midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro and Lucas Paquetá. The decision has drawn mixed reactions from Brazilian supporters, many of whom had called for changes in midfield.
The coach has also come under scrutiny for once again leaving highly rated young forward Endrick on the bench, a decision that has sparked widespread debate on social media.
Although Brazil enter the match as overwhelming favorites on paper, Ancelotti's side will be wary of the unpredictability of tournament football.
Haiti have also made two changes to their lineup following their defeat to Scotland. Casimir replaces Isidor in attack, while Duvernay comes in for Didson on the right flank.
The Caribbean side is expected to retain its 4-4-2 formation, with Casimir providing added flexibility thanks to his ability to operate both as a winger and a forward.
Haiti will be aiming to produce one of the tournament's biggest upsets, while Brazil's experienced full-backs Danilo and Douglas Santos—aged 34 and 32 respectively—will be expected to play key roles as the Seleção look to secure another important victory.
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