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 to overcome its recent struggles against European teams in knockout stages. Since winning the World Cup in 2002, Brazil has failed to beat a European side in the knockout rounds, being eliminated by France (2006), the Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022).

Coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a significant dilemma as Lucas Paquetá 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 Paquetá in the starting lineup. Although Neymar could potentially play as the playmaker, the coach currently does not plan to start Brazil's all-time top scorer in that role. Additionally, Barcelona star Raphinha has returned to training but is not yet fit to play; the team hopes he will be ready if Brazil advances to the quarterfinals.

Norway, appearing in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998, seeks to make history by relying on their prolific scorer Erling Haaland, who has already netted five goals in his World Cup debut, just two fewer than Lionel Messi. Alexander Sørloth is expected to start alongside Haaland in attack, with Antonio Nusa also in the lineup after scoring a notable goal against Ivory Coast. Julian Ryerson remains doubtful due to an injury sustained against Senegal in the group stage.

Projected lineups include Brazil starting with Alisson Becker in goal; defenders Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos; midfielders Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and either Danilo Santos or Gabriel Martinelli; and forwards Richarlison, Vinícius Júnior, 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 Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Erling Haaland.

The winner of this match will face the victor of England versus Mexico in the quarterfinals in Miami.