Is Neymar Playing Today? Brazil vs Norway Team News
Neymar is fit and available for Brazil today. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is still expected to name him on the bench. Brazil face Norway in the World Cup Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET on Sunday, July 5. A place in the quarterfinals is on the line. The winner travels to Miami to face England or Mexico on Saturday, July 11.
Ancelotti confirmed this week that Neymar can now play a full 90 minutes. He stopped short of promising a start. The Brazil coach said he would turn to Neymar when the team needs him. He has used the same message all tournament.
The 34-year-old forward has played just 14 minutes at this World Cup. He came off the bench against Scotland on June 24 in the 76th minute. He then sat unused for the entire match against Japan in the Round of 32. A right calf injury had ruled him out of Brazil’s first two group games.
Ancelotti has praised Neymar’s training and attitude in recent days. He also admitted the veteran is unhappy about his limited role. The coach hinted that Neymar and Vinícius Júnior could feature together at some stage. That comment still points to a substitute role rather than a start.
Brazil arrive in the last 16 with a growing injury list. Lucas Paquetá is out with a left hamstring injury picked up against Japan. Raphinha is fit again but is likely to start on the bench. Casemiro passed a late fitness test and is available.
Paquetá’s absence leaves a gap in midfield. Ancelotti is expected to fill it with Danilo Santos or young forward Endrick. Some fans want Neymar in that role. The coach appears set to resist for now.
Brazil’s predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior.
Norway reached the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998. Erling Haaland has led the run with five goals in three matches. Right back Julian Ryerson is a doubt with a thigh injury. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen is set to deputize.
Norway’s predicted lineup (4-3-3): Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Berge, Berg, Ødegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth.
Brazil topped Group C with seven points. They beat Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 through Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the 95th minute. Norway finished second in their group. They edged Ivory Coast 2-1 in the last 32, with Haaland scoring the winner in the 86th minute.
Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 129 caps. This is his fourth World Cup, and he has called it his last. He remains fit and ready today. The likeliest outcome is a cameo from the bench if Brazil need a spark.
