New York [US], July 6 (ANI): Five-time champions Brazil will look to proceed their FIFA World Cup 2026 marketing campaign after they tackle Norway in a Round of 16 conflict at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (native time), with Carlo Ancelotti’s facet aiming to maneuver a step nearer to a record-extending sixth world title.
Ahead of the knockout encounter, Noguchi Yasushi, Japan’s Ambassador to Brazil, expressed his assist for the Selecao in a submit on X following Brazil’s dramatic victory over Japan within the earlier spherical.
He wrote, ‘Today, we be a part of our Brazilian buddies in cheering for a spot within the quarterfinals. Let’s go, Brazil! Let’s get that sixth title!’
Brazil reached the final 16 after topping Group C on objective distinction with seven factors earlier than surviving a stern take a look at in opposition to Japan within the Round of 32. The South American giants got here from behind to register a 2-1 victory, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to maintain their title hopes alive.
Ancelotti has retained Martinelli within the beginning XI after his heroics in opposition to Japan, whereas 19-year-old Rayan continues in assault alongside Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha. Raphinha and Neymar, who’re getting back from accidents, have been named on the bench.
Brazil’s beginning lineup options Alisson in objective, with Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Douglas Santos in defence. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes anchor the midfield behind Martinelli, whereas Matheus Cunha, Rayan and Vinicius Jr lead the assault.
Norway, in the meantime, welcomes Julian Ryerson again into the facet after he missed the Round of 32 victory over Ivory Coast. Captain Martin Odegaard will marshal the midfield, whereas Erling Haaland spearheads the Scandinavian assault alongside Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.
Although Brazil have received 9 of their final 10 World Cup Round of 16 matches, they are going to be cautious of their current struggles in opposition to European opposition, having misplaced every of their final six post-group stage World Cup video games in opposition to groups from Europe.
Norway entered the competition with rising confidence after recording the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory by defeating Ivory Coast 2-1.
Stale Solbakken’s facet have received 15 of their final 20 matches and in addition maintain the historic edge over Brazil, remaining unbeaten in all 4 earlier conferences between the groups, together with a well-known 2-1 victory on the 1998 FIFA World Cup. (ANI)