Brazil faces Norway in the knockout match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ronaldinho has boosted the morale of the team. Coach Ancelotti has included Gabriel Martinelli and 19-year-old Ryan in the starting eleven. Neymar and Raphinha will remain on the bench.
new york [अमेरिका]July 6 (ANI): Brazil legend Ronaldinho supported the five-time world champions ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 clash against Norway. For this knockout match, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Gabriel Martinelli and young forward Ryan in the starting XI of the match to be held at MetLife Stadium.
Before the match started, Ronaldinho shared a post on X, writing: “Another decisive match! Good luck and let’s win it, Brazil!”
Young faces get a chance in Brazil’s starting XI
Ancelotti kept his faith in Martinelli, whose stoppage-time goal against Japan had secured Brazil’s place in the last 16. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ryan has retained his place in the attack along with Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha. Raphinha and Neymar, who are returning from injury, have been included among the substitute players.
Brazil’s starting XI included goalkeeper Alisson, while the back four included Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Douglas Santos. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães manned the midfield, while Martinelli played on the left wing behind the trio of Matheus Cunha, Ryan and Vinicius Junior in Ancelotti’s diamond formation.
Norway team led by Holland
At the same time, Julian Ryerson returned to the Norway team, who missed the round of 32 win against Ivory Coast. He replaced Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. Captain Martin Odegaard commanded the midfield, while Erling Haaland led the Scandinavian team’s attack alongside Alexander Sörloth and Antonio Nussa.
Brazil’s journey so far
Brazil had made it to the Round of 16 after topping Group C with seven points on goal difference. Earlier, the team had to face a lot of difficulty against Japan in the last round. The Seleção came from behind to record a thrilling 2–1 win, with Martinelli scoring the winning goal in stoppage-time. It was the first time Brazil had come from behind to win a World Cup knockout match since their quarter-final victory over England in 2002.
Who has the upper hand in the figures?
Despite their credentials, Brazil were cautious about their recent record against European teams, as they had lost their six previous post-group stage World Cup matches against European teams. Norway entered the field full of confidence as they defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32, registering the country’s first World Cup knockout win. Ståle Solbakken’s team had already secured qualification from Group I before undergoing a massive rotation in their final group match and have won 15 of their last 20 international matches.
History was also in favor of the Norwegian team before this match. They are unbeaten in all their last four matches against Brazil, which includes two wins and two draws. This also includes the memorable 2-1 victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. (ANI)
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