Carlo Ancelotti hitting his stride as Brazil preps for World Cup knockout stage

MIAMI GARDENS: (Jun 26)  It took a while for Carlo Ancelotti to become popular in Brazil.

He brought a banged-up squad to the World Cup, and Brazil’s lackluster draw with Morocco did not help his cause. But with back-to-back 3-0 victories — over Haiti and Scotland — Brazil is into the knockout stage with restored confidence and title aspirations.

It appears Ancelotti is finally hitting his stride with the five-time World Cup champion.