Brazil is doing what Brazil does best before a massive World Cup knockout game: keeping everyone guessing. With midfielder Lucas Paquetá ruled out of the Round of 16 match against Norway on July 5 due to a hamstring injury, coach Carlo Ancelotti has been running tactical experiments at training camp in New Jersey.
During recent sessions at the team’s preparation facility ahead of the MetLife Stadium showdown, Danilo Santos was first tested in Paquetá’s midfield role. The following day, Gabriel Martinelli got his turn in the same spot.
What Ancelotti is cooking
Replacing him with Danilo Santos suggests Ancelotti might preserve the existing 4-3-3 shape, keeping things structurally familiar for the rest of the squad. Slotting an attacker into a midfield position hints at a more aggressive, front-foot approach.
Training sessions have featured the full arsenal of Brazilian talent, including Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Marquinhos, and goalkeeper Alisson. Paquetá remains the only confirmed absentee.
