Brazil x Norway: Ancelotti explains choice for Gabriel Martinelli
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the Brazilian team, announced the starting line-up for the clash against Norway, which takes place this Sunday (5) in New Jersey, United States. The match, valid for the round of 16, will start at 5pm (Brasília time) at MetLife Stadium.
The winner will face Mexico or England in the quarterfinals, on July 11, in Miami, also in the United States.
The main novelty in the team is the entry of Gabriel Martinelli in place of Lucas Paquetá, who is injured. Ancelotti had tested Danilo Santos for the position, but opted for the Arsenal striker, who was the scorer of Brazil's qualifying goal against Japan in the previous phase.
The Italian coach justified the choice in an interview with CazéTV before the ball rolled. Ancelotti highlighted that Martinelli "deserves" the place for having "scored an important goal against Japan".
He also highlighted that the player is "motivated and physically well". The tactical plan includes Martinelli playing on the left midfield, swapping positions with Vinicius Júnior to explore the left side of the field. The duo has already performed well together against Paraguay in the qualifiers.
Raphinha's return to the bench
Raphinha's return is another new feature for the team. The player recovered from an injury to the hamstring of his right thigh, suffered against Haiti, and was listed for the first time on the bench.
Ancelotti stated that Raphinha could be used "if necessary", but made it clear that he would not play "90 minutes" due to his recent injury. "It's important to have him on the bench", added the Italian coach.
Balanced confrontation and focus on Norway's physical strength
The two teams arrive ready for the duel. Brazil beat Japan 2-1, coming from behind, with a goal in the last minute, guaranteeing classification. Norway also advanced after beating Ivory Coast 2-1.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on the characteristics of the opponent, Norway. He pointed out that the Norwegian team is "much stronger physically" and that it will be crucial to "win the aerial duels and on the field" for Brazil.
Brazil's lineup against Norway
The Brazilian team's starting lineup is as follows: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Martinelli; Rayan, Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Júnior.
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Source: CNN