Estevao was on target for Brazil once again on Tuesday, converting a penalty to make it 1-1, but Carlo Ancelotti’s late decision left him frustrated.
All the plaudits should go to the Chelsea youngster for another stellar performance in a yellow shirt.
Estevao was Brazil’s best player on the night, once again showing class beyond his years and standing out even amongst world-class talent.
But it could have been an even better return for the 18-year-old if not for a controversial decision from Ancelotti towards the end of the second half.
Carlo Ancelotti didn’t give Estevao the second Brazil penalty
Tunisia certainly gave Ancelotti’s side a game, and could have got more out of it.
But the same can be said for Brazil, who had a chance to seal the win from the penalty spot with just 12 minutes to go.
Having already converted convincingly in the first 45, Estevao would have expected to be trusted once again. But the Italian chose to give West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta the honours, and he blew it over the crossbar.
After the game, Estevao expressed his disappointment at being passed over.
Carlo Ancelotti and Estevao Willian during Brazil training
Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images
As GE Globo report, he said after the game: “I really wanted to take the penalty, but the order came and I gave it to my teammate. It wasn’t meant to be this time.”
It’s a curious one. While Estevao can’t assume he will be number one choice for penalties, he scored the first so convincingly that you would’ve thought he’d be trusted again.
Ancelotti explained his side as well, remarking: “Paquetá is the penalty taker. When the second penalty came, I made the change because I thought it would take some of the pressure off Estêvão, and Paquetá usually takes them very well.”
It’s true that Paqueta is usually solid from 12 yards, but the pressure excuse just doesn’t track.
Estevao doesn’t seem to feel pressure
Since he came to Stamford Bridge, Estevao hasn’t once looked out of his depth. That’s impressive for a teenager coming to a new country for the first time, but he’s an impressive player.
Should Estevao start against Burnley?
There’s a killer instinct to Estevao, where he looks hungry to be given the burden of driving the team forward.
Ancelotti thinks Brazil’s future is guaranteed with Estevao. A lofty claim, and one which should mean he is given a primary role for the World Cup.
Chelsea’s new signing already looks like Brazil’s best player — certainly on form — so Ancelotti might want to rethink his thought process next time he’s faced with a similar situation.