ORLANDO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- World Cup winner Rivaldo has praised the impact of manager Carlo Ancelotti on Brazil's national team ahead of this year's FIFA World Cup.

Brazil will step up its preparations for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada with friendlies against France and Croatia over the next week.

"I'm very confident in the coach's work, he's doing a good job," Rivaldo said in comments published on the Brazilian Football Confederation's (CBF) website on Tuesday.

"These are two friendly matches, but they come close to the World Cup. There's nothing better than putting in two good performances to give confidence to the fans, the players themselves and the coaching staff. I believe they will be two good games," the former Barcelona and AC Milan forward added.

Since taking charge of Brazil last May, Ancelotti has overseen four wins, two draws and two losses.

Brazil will face France in Boston on Thursday and Croatia in Orlando next Tuesday in Ancelotti's final chance to test his players before naming his World Cup squad.

Rivaldo, a guest of the CBF at Brazil's training session in Orlando on Tuesday, said the mood in Brazil's camp was buoyant.

"It brings back memories," said the 53-year-old, part of the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

"I came to see the players and say hello to Ancelotti, who was my coach at Milan. It's really nice and the atmosphere in the Brazilian national team is very enjoyable."

Brazil will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco in Group C on June 13 before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24. ■