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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti views World Cup exit as start of new cycle
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that the team's painful World Cup last-16 exit to Norway should serve as "fuel" for the future, emphasizing that the disappointing tournament marks "the start of a new cycle." Following the 2-1 loss at MetLife Stadium, Ancelotti acknowledged the deep disappointment but maintained that Brazil had a good World Cup and deserved to win the match. Erling Haaland scored two late goals for Norway, overshadowing an early saved penalty by Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes and a successful injury-time spot-kick by Neymar. Ancelotti, appointed just over a year ago with a contract through to the 2030 World Cup, dismissed suggestions of stepping down. He believes Brazil, with its squad, could have competed further in the tournament. This exit extends Brazil's wait for another World Cup title beyond a quarter-century, marking their worst World Cup performance since 1990. Ancelotti affirmed the team's commitment to continued hard work, improvement, and finding new ideas, stating they will use the defeat as "fuel going forward." Star forward Vinicius Junior described it as a "very sad day," acknowledging the significant blow of being knocked out of the World Cup and the public's desire for a win, which was not achieved this time.
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Bandits killed at least nine farmers and kidnapped several others in a raid on Kakangi village in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria. A security report prepared for the United Nations stated that attackers swept into farmlands outside Kakangi village in Birnin Gwari district on Saturday and shot farmers. Nine bodies have been recovered, with six victims identified by local authorities. Kabiru Ishaq, a community leader in Birnin Gwari, reported 10 fatalities. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for farmers killing a bandit during a failed robbery attempt earlier the same day. Kaduna is among several states in northern and central Nigeria affected by these gangs, who raid villages, kill and kidnap residents for ransom, and loot homes. Attacks on farming communities in the agrarian Birnin Gwari district have persisted despite a November 2024 peace agreement between local authorities and bandits. Last month, at least six farmers were killed and 20 kidnapped in an attack on Danauta village in the same district.