STAR SPORTS DESK

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was “half-satisfied” despite a 2-1 defeat to 10-man France in a friendly in the United States on Thursday, insisting the performance displayed his side’s ability to compete with the best.

Brazil fell behind in the first half at Gillette Stadium after Kylian Mbappe chipped past Ederson before France doubled their lead through Hugo Ekitike midway through the second half.

However, Brazil were handed an advantage when France defender Dayot Upamecano was shown a red card early in the second half. Brazil responded late on, with Gleison Bremer finishing from close range after an assist by Luiz Henrique to reduce the deficit.

“When you lose a game, you should never be happy… The result isn’t the most important thing, but it does reveal what we did well and what we didn’t,” Ancelotti said after the game.

“In the overall context of the game, I am satisfied because the team competed and fought, even scoring from a set piece, which is important. I am half-satisfied, but we certainly shouldn’t be happy with the result.”

The Italian also pointed to encouraging individual performances, particularly from Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior.

“I think Raphinha played very well… he had many opportunities and very good movement off the ball,” Ancelotti said, adding that Vinícius “always tries” and “makes the difference,” even if he did not score.

Brazil were without several key players, including Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhaes, Eder Militao, Bruno Guimaraes, Rodrygo and Estevao Willian.

There were also chants from fans for Neymar, who was not selected after missing a recent Santos match with muscle fatigue. Ancelotti, however, shifted the focus to the players on the pitch.

“Right now we have to talk about those who are here, who played, who gave everything… and I am satisfied,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Ancelotti remained confident about Brazil’s prospects ahead of the World Cup, where they will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage.

“I think today’s game makes it very clear to me that we can compete with the best teams in the world. I have no doubt about that,” he said.

Brazil will next take on Croatia in Orlando on March 31 as they continue preparations for the World Cup in North America.