EXCLUSIVE: Zamorano on Brazil being 'more magical' with Neymar & Ronaldo relationship

With the authority of someone who has worn the iconic shirts of Real Madrid and Inter Milan, 'Bam Bam' Zamorano analysed the current state of South American football, how the Brazilian national team are faring under Carlo Ancelotti, the young talent Endrick, and recalled the classic story of the legendary "1+8" shirt he shared with Ronaldo.

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In addition, the former player criticised the lack of organisation in youth development in Chile and commented on the strictly commercial aspect of this World Cup hosted across three countries.

South American football and Brazilian dominance

How do you see the performance and current moment of the South American teams in this World Cup?

"It's been, above all, a steady campaign. Paraguay and Ecuador lost their opening matches, but Paraguay bounced back in the second game, while Uruguay managed to draw at the last moment in their first match. Brazil wasn't the team everyone expected in their debut, but then showed itself to be a strong side. 

"Let's say that the best South American team so far is Argentina. Messi, in his own way, led his team right from the first game, scoring three goals and embodying everything Argentinians want to be in this World Cup."

What is your opinion on the strength of Brazilian clubs, especially given the current financial gap in South American football? What are the side effects of this situation?

"Brazilian clubs today have financial power; they invest a lot of money. Chilean, Peruvian, Argentine, and Colombian teams can't compete with Brazilian clubs in terms of investment.

"That's why Brazil, in recent Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana tournaments - even though some Argentinians have won - will always be favourites to win these competitions.

"With the investments they make, there's no doubt they're going to win. This also ends up being reflected in the level and structure they can provide for football in the country."

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Brazilian National Team, Neymar and Ancelotti

How do you assess Brazil’s performance? There are high expectations for Neymar's return. Has coach Carlo Ancelotti’s work convinced you?

"Brazil is Brazil. Brazil is the five-time world champion. Its history speaks for itself at World Cups. And Neymar, when he’s on the pitch, brings a different Brazil, with a bit more talent, a bit more magic.

"But a Brazil without Neymar can also be a very, very competitive Brazil. Ancelotti is a coach who lives the day-to-day and knows exactly how to set up the team with the players he has at his disposal."

Speaking specifically about the Brazilian forwards. Matheus Cunha played well and scored two goals recently, but fans and the media are really calling for Endrick to get a chance. How do you rate Brazil’s attacking options?

"Well, everyone is talking about the moment Endrick is having. In fact, yesterday (in the match against Haiti on June 19), he came on for 10 or 15 minutes and already scored a goal (though it was ruled offside).

"Ancelotti is the coach who sees him train every day, just as he does with Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago. I think they (Cunha and Thiago) are physically stronger, while Endrick is more technical, a player who moves very well on the pitch.

"But without a doubt, Ancelotti is following him closely every day and knows who is best prepared for each moment. Brazil can be calm, because they have very good forwards."

The legendary 1+8 shirt and relationship with Ronaldo

You mentioned Brazil’s strikers, and it’s impossible not to remember your story with Ronaldo Fenômeno at Inter Milan. What was that relationship like?

"Ronaldo Luiz Nazário de Lima, number 1 in the world. The best striker there ever was, the greatest number 9 in history. And I was lucky and proud to be his teammate. And yes, the story is true: he wanted the number 9 shirt, I gave him the 9 and he started playing with 1+8. So, in the end, I didn’t lose either number (laughs)."

Crisis in Chilean Football

Switching focus to your country, how do you see this transition for Chile? The national team has gone through a major change, with players retiring. What do you see for the future of Chilean football?

"Well, we’re in a period of transition, of rebuilding, and it’s been very tough for us. Especially after that 'golden generation' of great players we had, like Claudio Bravo, Medel, Vidal, Alexis Sánchez, Vargas, Beausejour, Aranguiz, and Valdivia.

"We had a huge number of fantastic players, but somehow, I think we got complacent, focused too much on their success and neglected youth development, the next generation coming through.

"Today, we’re in the middle of rebuilding, and it’s been very hard to find the ideal team. It’s very tough to see a World Cup happen and Chile not be there - it’s already the third straight World Cup we’ve missed. 

"So, right now, the main thing is to make decisions starting with the choice of coach. Knowing who will be the permanent manager of the national team to plan, structure, and make a radical change for what’s ahead."

Commercial and multi-host World Cup

You’ve been following games in Mexico, the United States, and now we’re here in Canada. With such long distances, which of these hosts really gives you the true World Cup atmosphere?

"Look, you have to travel a lot; the distances are really huge. In Qatar, it was completely different; we could watch up to three matches in a single day. 

"But in a way, FIFA organises these kinds of events nowadays because we know football has become a purely commercial matter, and we understand that too. It’s part of the new reality of the sport. The most important thing is that, regardless of the format, we have to enjoy it. Enjoy this World Cup to the fullest."