Ancelotti opts for Danilo Santos instead of Paquetá

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to select Botafogo's Danilo Santos in place of the injured Lucas Paquetá for Brazil's clash against Norway in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The choice of the Italian coach prioritizes tactical stability over creativity, indicating a diamond formation in midfield to keep the team's structure intact in the decisive game at MetLife Stadium. Paquetá's absence is a significant blow for Brazil, but Ancelotti appears willing to sacrifice individual brilliance for the sake of collective balance.

Danilo Santos, known for his tactical discipline, was tested in the position during training, surpassing Gabriel Martinelli, who offers more offensive unpredictability. The bet on a Brazilian player for a World Cup decision carries additional symbolic weight, challenging the hegemony of athletes who play in the major European leagues. By electing Danilo Santos, Ancelotti validates the Botafogo midfielder's season and projects the national scenario to the center of the world stage, proving that the tactical dominance and positional intelligence developed in Brazil can withstand the pressure of a knockout match against physically superior teams.