Ancelotti urges fans to ‘stay calm’ as Brazil still have room to improve

Carlo Ancelotti called for calm from Brazil supporters after his side swept Scotland 3-0 in Miami on Wednesday to top Group C and set up a Round of 32 knockout tie.

"Stay calm," Ancelotti told reporters when asked what he would say to an increasingly excited Brazilian public.

Brazil had drawn 1-1 with Morocco in their opener before back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and the Scotland.

Ancelotti said the side were becoming the collective unit he wants heading into the knockouts.

"We're now playing as a team, that was the aim," he said. "We're not perfect, we need to improve a few things – we could be quicker when we're in possession."

"I'm happy because the team has improved since the opening match. Being solid is very important now that we've reached the knockout stages."

Neymar came off the bench to make his first appearance for Brazil in nearly three years. Ancelotti said the 34-year-old had earned his opportunity.

"He got the chance to play because he deserved it, he worked hard to recover," Ancelotti said. "I think that in this World Cup, given his qualities, he can help the team. He played for just a few minutes, but he played well."

"Neymar doesn't need any motivation to play, no player needs motivation to wear the Brazil shirt. He's 34 years old and still has the same passion as a young boy."

Vinicius Jr scored twice, to take his World Cup tally to four, and impressed throughout. Ancelotti praised the winger but credited the team around him.

"Vini is in great form at the moment and the team helps him a lot," Ancelotti said. "He can play in various positions, both on the inside and on the wing."

"It's very rewarding to see Vinicius like this, I had no doubt he could reach this level. I wasn't the one who discovered Vini, he's a top-class player, one of the best in the world."

Ancelotti said topping the group was only the first step, and set no targets for the tournament.

"I haven't set a target for how far we can go," he said. "The aim isn't just to play well, the aim is to win. A manager is judged by victory or defeat, not by whether the team plays well or badly."

Brazil will face the runners-up of Group F in the Round of 32, with the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden among the possible opponents.