Carlo Ancelotti Explains Lucas Paqueta Penalty Decision After Brazil Draw With Tunisia

Carlo Ancelotti Explains Lucas Paqueta Penalty Decision After Brazil Draw With Tunisia

Brazil ended 2025 on a mixed note, drawing 1-1 against Tunisia in their final international match of the year. The five-time world champions wasted several scoring opportunities, including a near miss from Rodrygo, before Tunisia took a surprise lead through Hazem Mastouri in the 23rd minute.

Casemiro and Vinicius Jr came close to equalizing, but it was Estevao Willian who restored parity from the penalty spot in the 44th minute. Late in the game, Brazil were awarded a second penalty after Ferjani Sassi fouled Vitor Roque. Ancelotti instructed Estevao not to take it, handing the chance to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, who unfortunately missed by blazing over the crossbar.

Ancelotti Explains The Penalty Choice

After the match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti explained his decision to reporters:

“Paqueta was the penalty taker. For the second penalty, I changed because I wanted to take some of the pressure off Estevao, so I put Paquetá in, who usually takes them very well.”

Analyzing Brazil’s overall performance, Ancelotti remained positive despite the draw:

“Certainly, many, many (players). A few are missing, the list is quite complete. There are two friendlies left, but there are six months left, where anything can happen, the schedule is very demanding, the risk of injury is very high. The team, the atmosphere, are on the right track to reach the maximum level at the World Cup.”

He praised the squad’s professionalism, adding:

“I have a lot of confidence in this team, in these players, and especially in this environment, which is a good environment. The players are serious, professional, and patriotic. They have a lot of affection for the shirt, and these are very important aspects.”

Brazil’s Road To The 2026 World Cup

Brazil will play two more friendlies during the March international break before heading to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ancelotti also shared his approach to keeping the squad engaged during the break:

“I spoke with them (the players), wished them the best for the games they are going to play, we are observing them, staying in contact with them, talking, keeping the communication open until March and the World Cup. That’s the idea we have, there’s an observation process that will be very important.”

Despite Paqueta’s penalty miss, Ancelotti’s message was clear: Brazil are building the right momentum for next summer’s World Cup, and the team remains in good shape to compete at the highest level.