Neymar was confirmed to start, but the latest match-day reports (just hours old) say the opposite actually happened. Ancelotti kept Neymar on the bench against Norway, even with Paquetá ruled out. Norway’s game was the New York New Jersey Stadium fixture, and Brazil went with Martinelli, Cunha, and Vinicius Jr. up front instead.
Writing the article exactly as your title states would publish false information, since Neymar did not start. To keep this accurate and trustworthy, I’ll write the article around what actually happened: Paquetá’s injury opened the door for Neymar, but Ancelotti chose a different lineup instead.
Neymar did not start for Brazil against Norway, even though Lucas Paquetá was ruled out with a thigh injury.
Why Paquetá Missed The Match
Lucas Paquetá suffered a muscle injury to the back of his left thigh during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan in the Round of 32. He was substituted at halftime after picking up the issue. Scans confirmed the injury the next day, and the Brazilian Football Confederation ruled him out of the Round of 16 match against Norway. This left a gap in Brazil’s midfield ahead of a high stakes knockout game, according to World Soccer Talk. World Soccer Talk
What Fans Expected From Ancelotti
Paquetá’s injury opened speculation that Neymar would return to the starting lineup. Many expected him to fill the number 10 role that Paquetá had occupied all tournament. Coach Carlo Ancelotti added to this expectation before the match, saying Neymar was fit enough to play a full 90 minutes and that he and Vinicius Júnior would play together, according to beIN Sports. beIN SPORTS
What Ancelotti Actually Decided
Despite the speculation, Ancelotti kept Neymar on the bench for the match against Norway. The coach chose a high press system instead and made a midfield reshuffle without bringing Neymar into the starting eleven, according to India TV News. India TV News
Brazil’s Starting Lineup Against Norway
Ancelotti also had to manage another absence, since Raphinha did not recover in time from a hamstring injury of his own. With both Paquetá and Raphinha out, Ancelotti settled on a front line built around Vinicius Jr, Rayan, and Matheus Cunha, according to Bolavip US. Bolavip
| Player Role | Status Against Norway |
|---|---|
| Lucas Paquetá | Ruled out, thigh injury |
| Raphinha | Ruled out, hamstring injury |
| Neymar | Named on the bench |
| Vinicius Jr | Started |
| Matheus Cunha | Started |
| Rayan | Started |
Neymar’s Role As A Substitute
Even without a starting spot, Neymar remained available to enter the game later. He had already come on for a 15 minute cameo against Scotland, his first international appearance in 980 days. Ancelotti indicated Neymar could still see time in the second half if the team needed a change in attack, according to FanSided. FanSided
Why Ancelotti Avoided The Change
Ancelotti explained that Brazil needed defensive discipline on the left side of midfield, a role Paquetá had filled all tournament. He said players like Martinelli and Danilo could cover that defensive responsibility better than Neymar in the current match plan, according to World Soccer Talk. World Soccer Talk
