Raphinha Returns to Training, Brazilians Enjoy His Presence

The Brazilian national team held a training session on Friday ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway, set to take place in New Jersey.

The five-time world champions enter Sunday's match hoping to keep their hopes alive of ending a 24-year title drought.

The squad received positive news as forward Raphinha returned to training in Morristown.

He was greeted by his teammates with the team's traditional welcome ritual. Raphinha participated in initial coordination drills and ball work before continuing his recovery separately from the main group. The forward is making good progress after a hamstring injury but remains unavailable for Sunday's match against Norway.

With Lucas Paqueta also sidelined, 19-year-olds Endrick and Ryan could potentially start in attack.

The 34-year-old Neymar is still not fully recovered, making a bench role likely for him.

Their 2-1 victory over Japan in the previous round was the first time since 2002 that Brazil had won a World Cup knockout match after coming from behind.

Norway's 2-1 triumph over Ivory Coast marked their first-ever knockout stage victory at a World Cup.

The winner of this encounter will face either co-hosts Mexico or 1966 champions England in a quarter-final match in Miami.