Brazilian media’s brutal verdict of Chelsea-linked star’s performance against Morocco

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Under former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil did not get off to the start that they would have hoped for at this year’s World Cup.

Brazil, who have left Chelsea trio Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos at home, drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening group stage game.

Estevao had to be omitted from the Selecao’s squad because of injury, while Santos would probably not have made too much of a difference.

Pedro could have made an impact after scoring 20 goals last season, but Ancelotti preferred the likes of Endrick and Igor Thiago to the Chelsea star.

Anthony Gordon starred for England against Costa Rica but is no longer an option for Chelsea. Which left winger should we now sign? 🤔

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Brazilian media tear into Igor Thiago as Carlo Ancelotti’s team draw 1-1 with Morocco

It was Thiago who led the line for Brazil at the MetLife Stadium. Like Pedro, he also had a very impressive 2025/26 season in the Premier League, netting 22 times in 38 outings for Brentford.

However, he really struggled against Morocco, which did not go unnoticed in his home country.

One Brazilian outlet, UOL, stated after the game that Thiago is simply not good enough to be the Selecao’s first-choice No.9.

Their columnist Rodrigo Mattos said: “One truth stands out: Igor Thiago doesn’t have the technical skill to be a starter for the Brazilian national team.”

Thiago’s numbers from the game do not help him either. In total, he had just two shots, according to Sofascore, and missed one big chance.

Whatever happens at this year’s World Cup, Thiago is still likely to have suitors after his prolific campaign.

Chelsea are just one side who are thought to be interested in the 24-year-old. Last month, it was claimed that Chelsea believe Thiago can transform them into title contenders as they weigh up making a move for the Brentford forward.

• READ MORE: Chelsea target Igor Thiago as Brentford source makes world’s best claim

After Brazil’s first game at the World Cup, though, some will feel that, in Pedro, Chelsea already have a better No.9 than Thiago.

And following Thiago’s performance against Morocco, perhaps Ancelotti already has some regret over leaving Pedro in England. It could be a major talking point in Brazil throughout this tournament.