Brazilian gem Endrick entered a stagnant match between Brazil and Croatia, during which, in his 15 minutes of play, he delivered a brilliant performance that very likely sealed his World Cup hopes.
The 'new guys' have contributed a lot; they have taken advantage of the opportunity and, obviously, the doubt about the final list increases." Carlo Ancelotti's reflection after the victory against Croatia at Camping World Stadium was not casual. Between the lines, there was a name: Endrick.
The Brazilian forward returned to the national team after a year in the shadows… and it took him less than 15 minutes to leave his mark. It was a brief but forceful emergence. Just what he needed to try to extinguish his great fear: being left out of the World Cup. And he responded in the way he knows best in the last friendly before the final list.
Practically erased from the map at Madrid, Endrick decided to go on loan to Lyon to seek a miracle. In France, he found what he had lost: continuity, confidence, and goals. And with that, a second chance with Brazil. He did not waste it. He entered in the 76th minute, with the game tied (1-1), and changed the script. He provoked the penalty for the 2-1, freeing a blocked Brazil, and just two minutes later, he assisted Martinelli to seal the match.
From Brazil, the comparison was not long in coming: "He did what was expected of Neymar. Endrick was Neymar for 15 minutes… the Neymar of old." Beyond the exaggeration, the message is clear: Endrick was decisive again at the exact moment. After the match, the forward himself offered a reflection on his greatest fear: "When I step onto the field, I pray.
I close my eyes and hear the people scream my name… I feel that many in Brazil do not have affection for me, but I thank God for every moment. Everything we can do for Brazil, we will do. And we will keep working, because nothing responds better than work," he assured.
In that context of renewal, other names also stood out, such as Danilo Santos and Igor Thiago, but the focus was squarely on Endrick. And up front, Carlo has a lot to choose from: Raphinha, Vinicius, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, Savinho, Antony, Richarlison… and a long etcetera.
Even Neymar, who did not play because he is not at a sufficient physical level to be part of the national team, could convince the coach to give him one last dance if he pushes hard in these final months.
But Endrick plays another card. His profile is more direct, more aggressive, more vertical… which makes him a different piece within the puzzle. And in short tournaments, that difference can be decisive. In Brazil, they already warn: "Endrick's 15 minutes could change the history of the national team in the Cup." And, for the first time in a long time, Endrick no longer plays with fear.
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