Carlo Ancelotti was all praise for Rayan after the teenager produced a complete and remarkable performance in Brazil’s convincing 3-0 victory against Scotland on Wednesday, making World Cup history in the process.
The 19-year-old took advantage of his chance to start and was one of the Selecao’s best players at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami after stepping in seamlessly as a substitute in the victory over Haiti after Raphinha was forced off due to a hamstring injury that has since ended his tournament.
Ancelotti Hails Rayan
“He did a complete job,’ Ancelotti told reporters afterwards as reported by Sports Mole.
“Offensive and defensive. I am satisfied with the game he played. He is young, he has maturity and he works hard. Nobody knows the level he can reach.”
Rayan showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the moment as he became the first teenager to start a World Cup game for Brazil since Marco Antonio started at left-back for the quarterfinal encounter against Peru in 1970.
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He had a constant impact on the game and was directly responsible for the first two goals.
In the first goal, he pressed Scott McKenna to make a mistake, allowing Vinicius Junior to score his third goal of the competition by rounding off goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
The second goal started with another of Rayan’s deliberate forays, as a combination with Bruno Guimaraes resulted in the young player being dispossessed inside the area.
However, Matheus Cunha regained possession, Danilo prevailed in a duel, and Guimaraes found Vinicius Junior for his second goal of the evening.
