By Ross KilvingtonDespite unleashing a strong starting XI featuring Vinícius Júnior, Casemiro and Raphinha, Brazil held a narrow 2-1 advantage at the break.Something had to change at the Maracanã. As such, Ancelotti made ten substitutions, bringing on the likes of Rayan, Endrick, Danilo Olivera and Douglas Santos in a bid to mix things up during the second half.Collectively, these four players had won a total of 32 caps, yet the quartet played a part in three of Brazil’s four goals throughout the second period.None, however, proved to be the most impactful sub that Ancelotti made. That accolade goes to Igor Thiago, who did his chances of starting the friendly against Egypt on Saturday evening no harm at all.He assisted Rayan after just eight minutes on the pitch, before slotting home a penalty in the 63rd minute for Brazil’s fifth goal of the evening.That was his second international goal in as many matches for his nation and his performance will give Ancelotti plenty to ponder.The Italian has an array of attacking superstars at his disposal, but can Thiago be his surprise weapon in North America this summer?Thiago enjoyed a stellar season at club levelRewind 12 months. Thiago was coming off the back of a season where he managed just eight Premier League appearances. He spent large periods on the treatment table, first with a meniscus issue, then suffering a further knee injury.A solid pre-season under Keith Andrews appeared to be the catalyst for an incredible campaign. All in all, Thiago netted 25 goals across 40 appearances for Brentford. Remarkably, 22 of those were scored in the top flight and if it weren’t for the continued excellence from Erling Haaland, the Brazilian would have won the Golden Boot.Among his peers in the Premier League, Thiago finished the season ranked in the top 5% for shots on target (43), duels won (203) and touches (1,215), showcasing his all-round talents as Brentford’s focal point in attack.“He’s been sensational. The way he’s attacked the league, the way he’s affected the league, the way he’s developing his game — I think you can see that in the types of goals that he’s scoring now compared to earlier in the season,” Andrews gushed after Thiago’s brace against Sunderland in January.“He’s all action. He leads the line, he runs the channels, he presses back, he’s amazing from set pieces. He’s a complete centre-forward.”His performances for the Bees made it practically impossible for Ancelotti to overlook him for the friendlies against France and Croatia in March and April.He managed 19 minutes against the French without making much of an impact. A few days later, though, Thiago opened his Brazil account by scoring the winner against the Croatians thanks to a late penalty.Two months later, he is gearing up for his first international tournament.A chance to join an elite club of Brazilian forwardsSince the World Cup began in 1930, five Brazilian players have finished as the top scorer. Leonidas scored seven times in 1938, while Ademir won the Golden Boot with nine goals at the 1950 edition.In 1962, both Garrincha and Vava netted four goals apiece to share the award with four other players, but it took another 40 years for Brazil to have another Golden Boot winner.Ronaldo was unstoppable in 2002, scoring eight times as he led Brazil to a fifth World Cup. It was somewhat of a redemption arc for the striker after his injury hell.That was arguably the last time Brazil had a genuine world class centre-forward leading the line at a World Cup. Ronaldo was a shadow of his former self in 2006, while Luis Fabiano in 2010 and Fred four years later barely made a mark at the tournament.Thiago’s player traits comparison vs. similar strikers in Europe’s top five leaguesEven Gabriel Jesus in 2018 and Richarlison in 2022 didn’t exactly light up either edition as Brazil crashed out at the quarter-final stage in both tournaments.Ancelotti’s embarrassment of attacking riches this summer suggest Brazil are going to go with the “if you score two we will score three” mantra, especially given their defensive frailties.Matheus Cunha has been given the number nine jersey, but the Manchester United star is most effective in a slightly deeper role.Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Endrick, Rayan and Gabriel Martinelli will offer plenty in the wide areas. The legendary Neymar has also been selected, but it remains to be seen whether he can shake off a calf strain to play a part in the group stages.Should Thiago impress Ancelotti against Egypt – as it looks as though he should replace Cunha in that number nine role – it could lead to him being unleashed against Morocco in Brazil’s opening match of the World Cup next Saturday.At France 98, Ronaldo scored his very first World Cup goal against the Atlas Lions during a 3-0 group stage victory.Can Thiago follow in the footsteps of the great man this summer? If so, Brazil might have a chance of ending their 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup.Every World Cup has a breakout sensation. Thiago has the form, and all the attributes, to become a major star in North America over the next six weeks or so.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every Brazil game with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. 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