Brazil’s Cunha emerges as tactical mastermind in World Cup resurgence

Brazil’s World Cup renaissance has found its architect in an unlikely figure: Matheus Cunha, the unconventional striker who has become the tactical foundation of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. As the tournament unfolds and the knockout stages draw near, Cunha’s three goals and sophisticated approach to play have become central to Brazil’s improved form, which has built momentum throughout the group stage. Unlike the archetypal number nine of Brazilian football tradition—the pure strikers of Ronaldo, Adriano and Romario’s ilk—Cunha operates as something altogether different: a nine-and-a-half hybrid who effortlessly transitions between leading the line and dictating proceedings from deeper positions. His ability to drop deep, create space for wingers Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, and help out at the back has provided a solution that left even Ancelotti in doubt before the tournament began.

The nine-and-a-half revolution

Cunha’s role displays striking similarities to Roberto Firmino’s method throughout his time at Liverpool, where the Brazilian attacking midfielder would consistently drift deep to disrupt his marker’s positioning. When defenders follow Cunha’s movement towards the midfield, it opens up crucial space for Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo to utilise on the flanks. Conversely, when opponents hold their ground, Cunha obtains the licence to function between the lines, getting the ball and either playing incisive passes or taking chances himself. This strategic adaptability has transformed Brazil’s offensive structure, delivering the balance and fluidity that Ancelotti’s system requires whilst preserving defensive stability.

What renders Cunha’s involvement particularly valuable is his openness towards the unglamorous elements of his role. He aggressively pressures opponents from the front, triggers defensive shifts, and periodically moves into midfield to defend the backline—duties that conventional strikers often sidestep. His comfort with these responsibilities reflects a modern footballer’s grasp of positional play. The fact that Cunha seems genuinely content with this multifaceted role, rather than seeking personal recognition, has cultivated a collective harmony within Brazil’s attacking contingent that generates cohesive team performances.

• Drops deep to open up room for wide attackers
• Scores goals whilst enabling teammates’ attacking moves
• Contributes defensively through pressing and positioning
• Offers tactical versatility the system requires

Breaking away from traditional mould

Brazil’s footballing heritage has historically revered the archetypal number nine—the out-and-out striker who functions mainly in the penalty area. Legends like Ronaldo, Adriano, and Romário embodied this tradition, their goal-scoring prowess shaping Brazilian football for decades. Cunha’s emergence represents a tactical shift from this tradition. He is not a conventional striker or creative midfielder—but rather a versatile player that challenges traditional positional definitions. This development reflects modern football’s trajectory towards adaptability and strategic awareness rather than specialised roles.

Ancelotti’s exploration prior to the competition—testing Cunha, Igor Thiago, Endrick, João Pedro, and Richarlison—highlighted Brazil’s uncertainty about their optimal forward setup. That injuries inadvertently enabled this discovery demonstrates how occasionally managerial breakthroughs emerge through circumstance rather than careful preparation. Cunha’s emergence as Brazil’s focal point validates this accidental solution, demonstrating that occasionally the most game-changing strategic choices arrive not through intentional planning but through circumstance and adjustment.

Ancelotti’s tactical framework takes shape

Carlo Ancelotti’s route to uncovering Brazil’s optimal formation has been one of incremental development rather than complete restructuring. The Italian coach entered the tournament with considerable uncertainty about his favoured starting lineup, demanding a stretch of tactical exploration across the group stage. Yet with each passing fixture, the pieces have fallen into place with mounting definition. Brazil’s progress has been evident and quantifiable, with the team building pace and self-belief as the event develops. This deliberate strategy—permitting the team to bond naturally rather than enforcing strict systems—has yielded dividends precisely when they carry greatest importance, with the elimination rounds now approaching.

The moment of Ancelotti’s tactical realisation is crucial. As Brazil get ready to play Japan in the round of thirty-two, they possess a clearly defined system and a settled group of players who understand their respective responsibilities. This sense of direction constitutes a considerable edge over teams still grappling with formation and personnel questions. Ancelotti’s willingness to adapt and evolve his thinking, rather than stubbornly adhering to preconceived notions, has proven instrumental in Brazil’s resurgence. The manager has essentially constructed a bespoke tactical framework around Cunha’s unique skill set, establishing a system where every outfield player’s role enhances the whole.

The shift from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3

Ancelotti’s use of Cunha has required subtle but significant adjustments to Brazil’s core structure. The conventional 4-2-3-1 formation, which emphasises defensive stability through a twin pivot, has progressively evolved to a more fluid 4-3-3 structure. This shift allows increased attacking licence whilst retaining adequate defensive protection. Cunha’s willingness to track back and sit deeper in midfield has been vital to facilitating this structural change. The formation now accommodates Vinicius Júnior and Raphinha’s offensive aspirations on the flanks whilst maintaining equilibrium through intelligent positioning.

What characterises Ancelotti’s system is its adaptability within apparent rigidity. Whilst Brazil nominally operate in a 4-3-3 formation, the setup is sufficiently dynamic to accommodate positional interchangeability. Cunha’s positioning create constant unpredictability for opposing defenders, whilst the midfield trio adapt their placement to adjust accordingly. This tactical fluidity, underpinned by clear principles rather than strict tactical prescriptions, has become the defining feature of Brazil’s enhanced results. Ancelotti has fundamentally established a system where organisation supports the individual capabilities of his players rather than constraining them.

• Cunha’s deep positioning opens up room for flank players
• Three-man midfield offers defensive stability and constructive play
• Full-backs receive offensive licence with defensive support
• Formation adapts flexibly based on ball control and moment
• System maximises Brazil’s attacking talent without compromising balance

Possessing without becoming obsessed

Brazil’s strategy under Ancelotti constitutes a significant shift from the possession-obsessed football that dominated European clubs across the 2010s. Rather than chasing meaningless passing statistics, the Seleção have embraced a more deliberate philosophy where ball retention serves a strategic purpose. Cunha’s movement and positioning demonstrate this shift. By playing deeper and moving between the lines, he converts possession into offensive chances rather than simple statistical accumulation. The team’s improved performances stem not from dominating possession, but from using it tactically to create high-quality chances for their forward players.

This sensible approach has liberated Brazil from the constraints of strict possession-based systems. Against Japan, for instance, Brazil do not need to control the ball for 70 per cent of the match to achieve victory. Instead, Ancelotti’s tactical framework allows the team to be effective in their ball usage, striking with precision when chances emerge. Cunha’s flexibility enables Brazil to transition seamlessly between compact defending and attacking flow. The team can absorb pressure when required, then rapidly shift through Cunha’s astute positioning to launch devastating counter-attacks that capitalise on the space left by enemy defences.

Setting traps and managing the game

Cunha’s defensive work are frequently underrated in analysis of Brazil’s revival, yet they prove fundamental to Ancelotti’s overall strategy. When Brazil press, Cunha functions as the first line of pressure, compelling opposing defenders into rushed choices. His readiness to drop deep and function as a defensive shield offers extra defensive protection, allowing the midfield to push forward with increased assurance. This intelligent pressing mechanism, orchestrated through Cunha’s positioning, allows Brazil to dictate play without necessarily dominating possession statistics. The result is a team that appears increasingly difficult to break down whilst staying genuinely dangerous in attack.

A new Brazilian identity emerges

Brazil’s international football campaign has seen a radical rethinking of what it means to be a Seleção striker. For many years, the nation’s offensive approach revolved around the traditional centre-forward—a prolific finisher playing in the classic number nine position. Yet Cunha’s emergence constitutes a break with this established template, one that reflects a broader evolution in how Ancelotti conceptualises Brazilian football. Rather than seeking another Ronaldo or Adriano, the manager has embraced a more fluid, multifaceted approach to leading the line. This strategic adjustment has proven surprisingly effective, transforming what initially appeared a area of doubt into Brazil’s greatest strategic asset.

The adaptability Cunha offers goes well past his proficiency with the ball. His readiness to play across multiple positions—operating concurrently as a nine, a ten, and even a protective presence—has afforded Ancelotti remarkable tactical flexibility. This flexibility has permitted Brazil to preserve tactical stability whilst optimising attacking prowess, a equilibrium that escaped the team during qualifying. The mental transformation is just as crucial; Brazilian fans and commentators alike have come to accept that innovation does not have to compromise identity. Cunha embodies this contemporary fusion, proving that Brazilian football can develop without departing from its essential attacking tenets.

• Cunha’s hybrid role generates defensive uncertainty for opposing centre-backs during games
• Brazil move quickly between compact defending and offensive dynamism through his tactical positioning
• The tactical framework releases the team from restrictive possession-focused tactical limitations