Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 4
Brazil Eyes Quarterfinal Spot With Predicted XI Change After Paquetá Injury
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 4

Brazil Eyes Quarterfinal Spot With Predicted XI Change After Paquetá Injury

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 4

Summary

  • Lucas Paquetá is ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Norway after a hamstring injury, forcing Carlo Ancelotti into at least one change.
  • Matheus Cunha is tipped to drop into the No. 10 role, while Endrick appears more likely than Neymar to enter the starting XI after an encouraging substitute outing against Japan.
  • Brazil is still expected to lean on its preferred core, with Alisson in goal, Danilo filling in at right back and Bruno Guimarães arriving with 4 tournament assists.
  • Sunday’s test follows Brazil’s stoppage-time escape against Japan and pits its defense against Erling Haaland’s Norway, which has already beaten Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.

Insights

With key players injured, can teenage phenom Endrick lead Brazil to victory in his first World Cup start?
Can Brazil's star-studded lineup finally break its historical World Cup curse against Norway's 'Golden Generation'?
Will the personal feud between superstar Erling Haaland and defender Gabriel decide this crucial knockout match?