Brazil face a key midfield decision ahead of the round-of-16 match against Norway in New Jersey after Lucas Paquetá suffered an injury that could rule him out for the tournament. Coach Carlo Ancelotti must decide who will replace Paquetá in a midfield that has been both a strength and a vulnerability for the reigning South American side.
That question was sharpened in Brazil’s last match, when Ancelotti made unexpected attacking substitutions. Endrick was brought on in the second half and, later, Gabriel Martinelli — not Neymar or Igor Thiago — supplied the stoppage-time winner as Vinícius Júnior and Rayan stretched the Japan backline and created space for Martinelli’s 2-1 winner.
Casemiro’s role also proved pivotal. Although many expected him to be withdrawn at halftime after being penalized for Japan’s opening goal and carrying a yellow card, Ancelotti kept the 34-year-old on the field. Casemiro had a header cleared off the line and then nodded Brazil level at the far post in the second half.
Ancelotti returned Casemiro to the national team after an 18-month absence when he took charge more than a year ago, reuniting a player he had worked with at Real Madrid. The coach’s decision to restore Casemiro has been credited with bringing balance and structure to Brazil’s setup and allowing Bruno Guimarães greater license to push forward. The source notes that Guimarães had struggled under the previous coach, Dorival Junior, and that the clearer roles have helped his game.
There is, however, a tactical dilemma. Starting with a forward four and Casemiro alongside Guimarães can be effective when opponents are pinned back but also risky when the midfield is bypassed. A warm-up game in Rio against Panama exposed how easily that midfield duo could be played through, prompting Ancelotti to add Paquetá as a third midfielder. With Paquetá now injured, the coach faces a choice over Brazil’s structure against Norway; the report says reverting to a front four looks unlikely.
