A Huge Challenge for Brazil and a 24-Year Curse. Neymar Suffers on the Bench, But Causes No Trouble

Pulse Sports Team 11:10 - 04 July 2026

Brazil faces a massive challenge at the World Cup in North America. In Sunday's Round of 16 match at the New Jersey stadium, they not only face Norway, against whom they historically have a negative record of two draws and two losses.

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They also need to break a long-standing European curse. Since winning the golden trophy in 2002, the "Canarinha" haven't beaten any European representative in the World Cup knockout stages.

The South American giant's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, knows that advancing won't be easy. "It's always challenging, but we are confident we will perform well. Norway has a very well-organized defense, and their coach is doing a great job in that area. We are prepared for anything that might happen. We might concede a goal, but we are ready to react," the Italian coach cautiously assessed.

Ahead of the crucial match, particular attention is drawn to the team's offensive gem, for whom this is already his fourth World Cup. Brazil's all-time leading scorer, Neymar, arrived at the tournament with a torn calf muscle in his right leg.

The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has only played a mere 14 minutes so far, coming on as a substitute in the victorious group stage match against Scotland (3-0). He is expected to start on the bench against the Scandinavians as well. However, Ancelotti firmly dispelled any concerns about the player's physical condition, stating that he is now 100% capable of playing the full match.

"The important thing is that he can play. Nobody knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes and tempo in the game. When I see that the team needs him, I will put him on the field," explained the head strategist.

Naturally, a star of his caliber is disappointed with a new role outside the starting eleven. However, in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, the coach praised Neymar's exemplary attitude and influence on the locker room:

"He's not happy, but he's behaving very well. He's training excellently. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and popular among his teammates. He is a significant figure in the team because he has quality and is also very humble. I am very happy with him. Of course, he wants to play, as always."