Brazil and Norway Lineups: Martinelli Starts for "Seleção"

Brazil and Norway are set to clash at MetLife Stadium in one of the most anticipated Round of 16 encounters at the World Cup. The winner of this match will advance to the quarterfinals to face either Mexico or England, who will play later tonight at the Azteca.

The Brazilians topped Group C solely on goal difference over Morocco. They secured seven points after a 1-1 draw with Morocco and two 3-0 victories against Haiti and Scotland. Subsequently, Carlo Ancelotti's squad kicked off the knockout stage with a 2-1 comeback win against Japan, where substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in added time.

The Norwegians finished second in Group I, which was considered one of the toughest at the World Cup. They accumulated 6 points from 4-1 victories over Iraq and 3-2 over Senegal, before suffering a 1-4 defeat to France in a match where Ståle Solbakken rested his key players. In the Round of 32, Solbakken's men eliminated Ivory Coast with a 2-1 win, with Erling Haaland netting the winning goal just before the final whistle. This marked the Vikings' first knockout stage victory at a World Cup.

Brazil and Norway have met four times previously, with the "Seleção" yet to secure a win against the "Vikings." Their only official encounter was 28 years ago, when Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 in a group stage match at the 1998 World Cup.

However, Brazil has lost their last six knockout stage matches against European opponents at World Cups.

Carlo Ancelotti has made one change to his starting lineup: Gabriel Martinelli, who secured Brazil's victory against Japan, starts in place of Lucas Paquetá, who missed the match due to injury. The Arsenal player will operate as an attacking midfielder behind Matheus Cunha. Raphinha and Vinicius Jr. will once again patrol the flanks. Another development is Raphinha's return to the squad, though he starts on the bench.

Ståle Solbakken has also made just one alteration to his starting XI. Julian Ryerson returns from injury and starts at right-back, replacing Marcus Pedersen. Erling Haaland, who has five goals in the World Cup so far, leads the Vikings' attack. He will be supported on the wings by Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa.