Guimaraes did not just score; he looked like a player who understood the rhythm Brazil need in a major tournament opener.
That role can be easy to miss when wide players grab the highlights, but it often decides whether Brazil look balanced or stretched. Against Morocco, a midfield that protects the ball and senses danger quickly could be crucial.
Ancelotti also made it plain that the evening sharpened his thinking. “I'm even more certain. The team was very good defensively for 60 minutes. Offensively we played well, we respected the game plan,” he said.
There was still a warning sign. Marquinhos made the mistake that allowed Egypt back into the game, and Brazil lost some grip after changes. But that may only strengthen Guimaraes’ case: he appears to offer order as much as energy.
Brazil now head into their 13 June opener knowing the real challenge will be sharper and less forgiving. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha “worked very well,” Ancelotti said, and Endrick again showed his knack for a big moment. Yet the shape of the side may rest on what happens behind them.
Guimaraes captured the mood neatly: “Victory, goal and great performance by the entire team! This is the mentality we need to carry from now on! Saturday it begins. Let's go BRAZIL. God is faithful!” Next comes Morocco, then Scotland and Haiti - and if Brazil start well, the midfield debate may already be over.