Carlo Ancelotti reacts to Brazil defeat after historically poor World Cup qualifying | Football

Defeat to Bolivia on Tuesday saw Brazil slump to their worst finish in World Cup qualifying since the current format was introduced.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team were beaten 1-0 in El Alto, which meant Bolivia booked a place in the Inter-confederation play-offs for next year’s World Cup.

It was Brazil’s sixth defeat of the qualifying process, having also won eight matches and picked up four draws.

As a result, Ancelotti’s side finished fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay.

There were 10 points between leaders Argentina and the Brazilians, although it was much closer between the other qualified nations.

Ecuador finished second on 29 points, with Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay all on 28 and only separated by goal difference and goals scored.

The three countries who have been eliminated are Venezuela, Peru and the disappointing Chile, finishing bottom of the qualification standings.

The current format of CONMEBOL qualifying was brought in for the 1998 World Cup and Brazil have never finished as low as fifth in the 10-team group.

Their previous worst finish was third in 2002, while they have finished top in the last four editions of qualifying they had to take part in.

Fifth is their lowest finish and 28 points is the worst points return.

Ancelotti only took over in May, leading the team for four games which have yielded two wins, a goalless draw with Ecuador and the defeat in Bolivia.

The match on Tuesday was played at the notoriously testing Municipal de El Alto stadium at over 13,000 feet above sea level, with Ancelotti recognising the trying circumstances of playing at altitude.

‘Today was a difficult game, both technically and physically,’ he said. ‘A special game in every sense. A unique game. We’ll prepare well for the upcoming matches and arrive at the World Cup in good shape.

He added: ‘We’re on the right track for the World Cup.’

There was plenty of Premier League representation in Ancelotti’s side on Tuesday, with Alisson Becker, Andrey Santos, Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison all starting.

Chelsea pair Joao Pedro and Estevao came off the bench and Ancelotti said it was a useful exercise in learning about his players.

‘All the players in this group will have new opportunities because they worked very well all week,’ he said. ‘I wanted to use this match to get to know some of the players, and that’s what happened.’

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