Martinelli starts for Brazil against Norway in World Cup Round of 16

Brazil's national football team will feature Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli in their starting eleven for the World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has opted for Martinelli to fill the void left by attacking midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who sustained a thigh injury during Brazil's previous match against Japan.

The Brazilian lineup will see Alisson in goal, protected by a defense of Danilo, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, and Douglas Santos. The midfield will consist of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, with Martinelli supporting the attacking trio of Rayan, Matheus Cunha, and Vinícius Júnior up front.

Norway, led by coach Ståle Solbakken, is set to deploy their potent offensive formation. The team will rely on the attacking prowess of Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sørloth, and the tournament's leading scorer, Erling Haaland, who has already netted five goals. The Norwegian defense will be marshaled by Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, and David Møller Wolfe, with Patrick Berg, Sander Berge, and Martin Ødegaard anchoring the midfield.

Both South American and Scandinavian nations had hard-fought victories in the previous round. Brazil secured their spot in the knockout stage with a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan, thanks to a late goal from Martinelli, who came off the bench. Norway also advanced with a 2-1 victory against Ivory Coast, sealed by a late strike from Haaland. The match is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Ismail Elfath of the United States appointed as the referee. The winner will advance to face either Mexico or England in the quarterfinals.