Brazil coach faces wave of criticism after elimination

Following Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, former Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo has strongly criticized head coach Carlo Ancelotti's tactics, saying the coach bears the greatest responsibility for the team's disappointing exit.

According to Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte, Melo questioned Ancelotti's decisions during the post-match analysis program Seleção Sportv.

"It's easy to blame the coach, but in this case there's no escaping responsibility," Melo said. "We brought in one of the greatest coaches in football history. That means the primary responsibility also lies with him. He has to take accountability."

Melo added that the match plan is ultimately the coach's responsibility.

"The coach makes the tactical plans, so both he and his coaching staff must take responsibility for the result," he said.

The former Brazilian international also argued that Ancelotti's biggest mistake was leaving Neymar out of the starting lineup. He further disagreed with the decision to start Gabriel Martinelli in the absence of Lucas Paquetá.

"I understand the coach's decision, but he also has to understand the reality," Melo said. "If I were in charge, I would have started Neymar. He might have scored from the penalty spot in the first half, and that could have completely changed the course of the match."

Brazil, considered one of the tournament favorites, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, ending their World Cup campaign. Since then, team selection, tactical decisions, and Ancelotti's management have come under intense scrutiny across Brazil's football community.