Ronaldo Nazário has hit out at Carlo Ancelotti over Brazil's World Cup opener. The legendary striker criticized the Italian coach's tactical setup in the 1-1 draw with Morocco.
Ancelotti's decision to play Raphinha on the left wing baffled the 49-year-old. Ronaldo couldn't fathom why the winger wasn't deployed on his stronger flank.
Barcelona's number 11 enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 season with the Spanish club. He scored 21 goals and created eight assists across 33 appearances despite a hamstring injury.
Raphinha featured mostly on the left for Barcelona during that campaign. Yet he proved far more dangerous operating on the right side of the pitch.
"Raphinha on the left, when he had an incredible year with Barcelona playing on the right?" Ronaldo told ESPN Brasil's Resenha da Copa. "There were decisions that were difficult to understand."
He noted improvements came only after the break against Morocco. By then, Brazil had already surrendered an early lead in the match.
Ronaldo blamed opening-match jitters for the Seleção's sluggish performance. World Cup pressure affects even the most experienced players, he reasoned.
"I remain very optimistic," the O Fenômeno stated via Goal. "It was the pressure of the first game, and it was unusual to miss so many passes in the first half."
He watched Ancelotti's post-match interview with some of the squad. Both the coach and players acknowledged their nerves had gotten the better of them.
"It's normal, right?" Ronaldo added. "World Cup jitters, especially among the newcomers."
Brazil's campaign kicked off without talismanic forward Neymar. An injury ruled out the all-time leading scorer from the group stage.
The Seleção still harbor ambitions of claiming a record sixth World Cup crown. But their stuttering start has raised early concerns about their prospects in the tournament.
