NEW JERSEY, July 03 (V7N): Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised Neymar's professionalism and positive dressing-room influence, despite the 34-year-old forward's frustration over his limited playing time at the World Cup.
The country's all-time top goalscorer has featured just once during his fourth World Cup campaign, logging a 14-minute cameo off the bench in Brazil's 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland. Neymar, who arrived at the tournament nursing a right calf injury, is expected to start on the bench again for Sunday's Round of 16 clash against Norway at MetLife Stadium.
Ancelotti confirmed that while Neymar wants more minutes on the pitch, he is training exceptionally well and has maintained a humble, supportive attitude. The manager also eased fitness concerns, stating that Neymar is now fully capable of playing a 90-minute match and that he will utilize the veteran star's experience whenever the team requires his tactical intervention.
The upcoming knockout match presents a historical challenge for the Seleção. Brazil has never defeated Norway in their four previous meetings, and the South American giants have not beaten a European team in a World Cup knockout fixture since their 2002 final victory over Germany.
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