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Brazil faces another significant challenge to its World Cup title credentials as it prepares to take on Erling Haaland's Norway in Sunday's round of 16 clash.
After needing a stoppage-time goal to edge past Japan in its opening knockout round fixture, Brazil is well aware of the tough task ahead. Norway has already dispatched Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal on its way to this weekend's showdown and is firmly establishing itself as one of the tournament's most dangerous dark horses.
Carlo Ancelotti relied on fringe players to get past Japan, but the Italian manager won't be rattled when it comes to naming his next starting lineup. The experienced coach will revert to his favored XI, though one enforced change is expected following Lucas Paquetá's concerning hamstring setback.
With a quarterfinal berth against England or Mexico at stake, here's how Brazil could set up.
Brazil Predicted Lineup vs. Norway
Pick Your World Cup XI!
GK: Alisson—The Liverpool shot-stopper has recorded two clean sheets at the tournament while still being tested regularly. Having stopped 84.6% of the 13 shots he's faced, he ranks among the top goalkeepers of the summer.
RB: Danilo—Wesley's injury has presented Ancelotti with a dilemma, but he's put his trust in the seasoned Danilo at right back. The soon-to-be 35-year-old will earn his 75th cap for the national side against Norway.
CB: Marquinhos—What Brazil may lack at fullback, it more than compensates for with one of the tournament's finest center-back partnerships. Skipper and commanding leader Marquinhos is vital to the defensive unit operating at its best.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel's well-known rivalry with Haaland will now play out on the international stage, with the Arsenal defender aiming to become the first player in the competition to keep the Manchester City striker off the scoresheet.
LB: Douglas Santos—Left back remains a position of concern for Brazil, with no standout option available. However, Santos has been admirably steady throughout the tournament.
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DM: Bruno Guimarães—Only Michael Olise (5) has recorded more assists than Guimarães's four at this World Cup. The Newcastle United midfielder delivered the decisive pass for the winner against Japan.
DM: Casemiro—Casemiro got on the scoresheet against Japan to help spark Brazil's comeback, but the 34-year-old has appeared noticeably sluggish in midfield and faces a stern examination from Norway captain Martin Ødegaard on Sunday.
RW: Rayan—Martinelli's late heroics in the round of 32 are unlikely to earn him a spot in the starting XI, with Ancelotti expected to stick with Bournemouth's creative Rayan in place of the sidelined Raphinha.
AM: Matheus Cunha—With Lucas Paquetá having picked up an injury against Japan and ruled out of the Norway match, Cunha could slot into the No. 10 position. The Manchester United forward is well accustomed to dictating play from deeper areas.
LW: Vinicius Junior—For the first time this summer, Vinicius failed to find the net against Japan. With the Golden Boot in his sights, he will be eager to get back among the goals on Sunday.
ST: Endrick—Paquetá's injury may hand Endrick his opportunity, having made a strong impression when he came on to replace the Flamengo playmaker at the break against Japan. The Real Madrid forward is yet to start at this tournament but looks more likely than Neymar to earn a place in the XI on Sunday.