Brazil’s “Right-Side Black Hole”—Can 34-Year-Old Danilo Hold Off Ashraf?

When Brazil plays Morocco, the biggest hidden risk isn’t up front—it’s in the back—more precisely, in the right-back position.

The starting right-back, Wesley, suffered an injury to his left thigh adductor during the warm-up match against Egypt and has already withdrawn from the national team. Ancelotti urgently called up Ederson from Atalanta, but Ederson is a midfielder by trade and not a regular right-back. At present, it looks most likely that 34-year-old Danilo will start. Danilo is experienced and has proven himself at both Real Madrid and Juventus, but he is already 34 this year, and his speed and stamina have clearly declined. Against Morocco’s attacking core, Ashraf—known for his astonishing pace and exceptional ability to surge back and forth—can Danilo hold out for 90 minutes? I’m genuinely very worried.

Ashraf will repeatedly charge at Brazil’s left side. Vinicius is known for his only average defensive work rate; his tracking back isn’t timely enough. That means Danilo will often have to face Ashraf’s attacks one-on-one. If Brazil’s midfield can’t provide cover in time, the right flank will be breached. Once Ashraf gets past and delivers a cross, En-Nesyri cutting in centrally is very likely to have a chance to shoot. This is a very realistic threat.

Ancelotti may make adjustments in midfield—shifting Casemiro, who is stronger defensively, further toward the right side to protect Danilo. But doing so would weaken the defensive solidity in the center, giving Morocco’s midfielders space to take long shots. This is a chain reaction. If Brazil’s right-side defensive problems aren’t resolved, Morocco’s goals may be only a matter of time. Ancelotti’s biggest question tonight is how to plug this “right-side black hole.”

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