"Ancelotti watched on as Hazem Mastouri's 23rd-minute strike handed Tunisia a shock lead at Stade Pierre-Mauroy before Estevao restored parity with a penalty before the break. Brazil were handed a huge chance to seal the win when Ferjani Sassi fouled Vitor Roque inside the box, but Lucas Paqueta blazed over Aymen Dahmen's net from 12 yards. Estevao then struck the post with almost the last kick of the game, but Tunisia were able to hold on as Ancelotti endured another frustrating encounter early in his Brazil tenure."
"Ancelotti's frustrations will come from his team's lack of clinical edge in the final third, having registered an expected goals (xG) total of 2.61 from their 22 attempts, only three of which were on target, compared to Tunisia's 0.58 from their seven shots. Since winning their fifth World Cup title in 2002, Brazil's highest finish at FIFA's flagship tournament came in 2014, when they reached the semi-finals, which was followed by back-to-back quarter-final defeats in Russia and Qatar."
"Tunisia has different characteristics - they defend with a very deep block. It's much more difficult to find openings in this type of defence."
Carlo Ancelotti believes Brazil are on the right track to reach their best level at the World Cup next summer. Brazil drew 1-1 with Tunisia after Hazem Mastouri gave Tunisia an early lead and Estevao equalised with a penalty before half-time. Brazil created numerous chances and registered an xG of 2.61 from 22 attempts but managed only three shots on target. Lucas Paqueta missed a penalty and Estevao struck the post late as Tunisia held on. Recent form includes a 2-0 win over Senegal, while injuries such as to Gabriel Magalhaes are a concern.
Read at Soccer News
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