Brazil Faces Key Lineup Decision Ahead of World Cup Round of 16 Match Against Norway

Brazil is preparing for its Round of 16 World Cup match against Norway, scheduled for Sunday at 23:00 in MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. The Brazilian team aims to reach the quarterfinals for the ninth consecutive time and hopes to overcome its recent struggles against European teams in knockout stages, having not defeated any since winning the 2002 final against Germany. Since then, Brazil has been eliminated by France (2006), the Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022).

Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a significant dilemma as Lucas Paqueta is likely out for the tournament due to a muscle injury sustained against Japan in the previous round. Ancelotti is deciding between Danilo Santos and Gabriel Martinelli to replace Paqueta in the starting lineup. Although Neymar could potentially play as the playmaker, the coach currently does not prioritize him in that role. Barcelona star Raphinha has returned to training but is not yet fit to play; the team hopes he will be ready if they advance to the quarterfinals.

Norway, appearing in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998, seeks to make history relying heavily on striker Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in his World Cup debut, just two fewer than Lionel Messi. Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa are expected to start alongside Haaland in attack. Julian Ryerson remains doubtful after an injury sustained against Senegal in the group stage.

Projected lineups include Brazil starting with Alisson Becker in goal, a defense of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos, midfielders Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and either Danilo Santos or Martinelli, and forwards Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Matheus Cunha. Norway is expected to field goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, defenders Markus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Eggen, and David Møller Wolfe, midfielders Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, and Martin Ødegaard, and forwards Sørloth, Nusa, and Haaland.