Brazil arrived in the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti facing an unexpected selection headache after an impressive display from his substitutes in Sunday’s friendly victory over Panama.

Almost everything went according to plan for the Italian manager. A packed Maracanã, passionate support from the Brazilian fans and a comfortable, emphatic win created the ideal atmosphere as Brazil continued preparations for their opening World Cup match against Morocco on 13 June.

What Ancelotti did not anticipate, however, was the impact made by the reserve players introduced in the second half. Their energetic and convincing performances have left the coach reconsidering parts of his starting line-up.

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti openly admitted that doubts had emerged regarding his preferred XI. Before kick-off, he suggested that the side selected to face Panama was effectively his World Cup team, despite the absences of Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, who had featured in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest.

Yet the second-half display altered the mood completely.

“The substitutes changed the game very well,” Ancelotti said during his post-match press conference, hinting that competition for places remains wide open before Brazil begin their campaign.

The atmosphere at the Maracanã was exactly what the coach had expected. More than 72,000 supporters attended the friendly, including around 200 Panama fans, creating a vibrant occasion full of songs and celebration.

One name, however, dominated the chants throughout the evening: Neymar.

Although the Brazilian star remained on the bench and was not fit enough to play, fans repeatedly sang his name, making clear their desire to see the number 10 back on the pitch. No other player received anything close to the same reception.

Ancelotti appeared amused by the attention surrounding Neymar and joked during the press conference that the team’s performance had been so strong that he had managed to avoid questions about the forward for once. Nevertheless, he confirmed that Neymar would remain with the squad despite concerns over an injury suffered after joining the national team camp.

“He will stay for the World Cup,” the Italian stated firmly.

Several of the substitutes who impressed in the second half also enjoyed strong backing from the Rio de Janeiro crowd. Lucas Paquetá, Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos and former Vasco da Gama youngster Rayan were all loudly cheered by supporters, while Igor Thiago, who left Brazilian football at an early age to continue his career in Europe, also made a notable impact.

Brazil’s delegation travelled directly to the United States after the friendly, where players involved in the Champions League final had already joined up with the squad. Training sessions have now begun as Ancelotti attempts to settle on his strongest team for the tournament.

With hopes of winning a record sixth World Cup title, Brazil enter the competition carrying huge expectations and perhaps a few more selection questions than their manager initially expected.