Brazil coach confirms Neymar fit for Norway round-of-16

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar is fully fit and capable of playing a full 90 minutes as the team prepares for its World Cup round of 16 match against Norway. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has had a limited role in the tournament so far, playing only 14 minutes as a substitute in the group stage win over Scotland. He was an unused substitute in Brazil's subsequent knockout victory over Japan. Ancelotti acknowledged in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo that the 34-year-old is unhappy with his situation but has handled it professionally.

"He is not satisfied, but he is behaving very well," Ancelotti said. "He is training very well. Neymar is highly respectful, amiable, and loved by his teammates. He is an important character in the squad because he possesses immense quality and is a very humble person. I am very happy with him. And obviously, he wants to play, just as he always has."

The coach emphasized Neymar's readiness, stating directly, "Yes. He can play 90 minutes." He explained that the player's...