Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , former Chelsea and France star Florent Malouda has assessed Carlo Ancelotti 's Brazil and the outsiders making their mark at the World Cup .
The 2006 World Cup finalist has explained why managing Brazil is one of the hardest jobs in football, why Neymar is being saved for the later stages, and why the fans must trust the process with Endrick .
The Champions League winner has also given Scotland a route to upsetting Brazil and Germany , hailed the story of Curacao , and assessed South Africa 's hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Brazil
Is Ancelotti the Man to End Brazil's Drought?
It's one of the most difficult jobs in the world, being the Brazilian national team manager, because they're all national team managers in that country, telling him what to do. There's a level of passion and expectation when you see every Brazil game, and the number of World Cup winners watching the game.
Carlo Ancelotti is the man to bring that pressure down and level things in terms of passion. But the expectations are still high, and I think the main issue they face now is leadership. Who on the pitch can really be the connection with Ancelotti and lead the other players to lift the trophy? For the moment, you can see that they're still trying to find the right balance and their identity.
We're still wondering who will start and what type of team we will see, and we are already in the competition. For me, this is the challenge, and I hope it was just a slow start and that they will find their way. But if tomorrow they had to play one of the favourites, I think they would be in big trouble.
Is Ancelotti Holding Neymar Back as a Secret Weapon?
I think first of all, Carlo Ancelotti has been very considerate to bring Neymar in because it's never easy to bring an injured player into a big competition. So it's a challenge for the manager to manage that kind of situation because you have to give almost the same attention to someone who's not playing. Then you also depend on his fitness; you're not sure if he will be able to play and when. So I think the vision is more to get him ready for the later stages, where he can be that leader. But that means you need to reach that stage first.
Neymar has been struggling since his PSG days with a lot of injuries. When you see the level of intensity of the games, there's a question mark, even if he's fit, will he be match fit for the knockout stage? We will have to wait and see.
Should Brazil Fans Trust the Process With Endrick?
Endrick is like the mascot of Brazil ; the fans just want him to do well. What I would say is that the fans have to trust the process of Carlo Ancelotti because when you look at this season, Endrick hasn't been consistent. We know he can make a big difference, but you need to prepare for the moment where he can make those differences. For the moment, he hasn't been able to have this impact when he starts.
He's still young, and he's learning. I think that's his first World Cup . So to put the expectations of a country like Brazil on his shoulders is a bit early. He's not Pele . He might become that in the future, but I think for now, he's better suited in a super-sub role, and I think that's the plan.
Scotland's Chance
Can Scotland Get a Result Against Brazil?
Scotland have to play with no regrets. I think Scotland has a clear identity. They will not try to play like Brazil , but they must play the game like they have a chance to win. If you go against Brazil and try to wait and contain their talent and quality, you might be exposed.
They must look to challenge them, to use set-plays and that aggression, and not let Brazil dictate the tempo of the game. That's the chance to get positive results.
Will Ancelotti Have Studied Scotland?
Carlo Ancelotti will definitely monitor the way Scotland play to try to identify how to put them in trouble. But when you are the Brazil national team manager, you have to use the talent available and put them in the best conditions so they can express their talent.
You cannot adjust the Brazilian national team to the Scotland national team. This would be like a disaster for the manager, and, knowing the culture in Brazil , it wouldn't matter what the result was; it would be a problem to change their style to adapt to anyone.
Could Scotland Upset Germany in the Round of 32?
When you look at it, Scotland are always the underdogs, so they have to get used to that situation. I think they should be inspired by what Ivory Coast did. If they go through and they play Germany , as I said, it's the knockout stage, and you play to stay in the tournament.
It doesn't really matter who you play. It's more about do you believe you want to stay. Do you play to go through, or are you just happy because you're out of the group stage? I think this comes down to the players and the squad's mindset.
The Outsiders
How Impressed Have You Been With Curacao?
Curacao are writing a story, they are creating a story and enjoying their time. First of all, to qualify is something that will inspire upcoming generations. I mentioned Curacao , and Suriname almost qualified as well. In the region, you have a lot of teams that want to follow that path. Those players are always joyful. Even though they lost the first game, they're so happy to be there that it feels fresh.
That's what the World Cup is about. They just enjoy the experience, and, at the same time, they know when to focus. I think for them to get that result, which will maybe send them through, is writing their own history. This is also a good opportunity, and I think they have the team to do it. They have the team to create problems and to go through.
What Have You Made of South Africa?
South Africa they have a chance if they fix their defensive balance. I think they've been exposed every time there's a high tempo in the game; there are a lot of defensive tactical mistakes that are costly. Including disciplinary mistakes.
I think South Korea will also try to make sure to go forward and not take too many risks. Offensively, South Africa are very interesting because they have raw talent and the ability to create from nothing. But it's like they always start the game with a disadvantage, and this is what they have to fix going into the game.
Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
