Paquetá returns to Flamengo as Norway prepare for England

Paquetá back at Flamengo, still recovering

Lucas Paquetá returned to Flamengo's training center on Friday to continue rehab on his injury (1). He will not be ready for the Libertadores round of 16 clash against Cruzeiro. The club is also missing Arrascaeta, Saúl, Léo Ortiz, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Léo Pereira, De la Cruz, and Varela. The medical team wants Paquetá fit for the quarterfinals in August, if Flamengo get there.

Norway face England in the quarters on Saturday

The team that knocked Brazil out of the World Cup goes again. Norway, with Erling Haaland leading the line, play England in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11 (2). Haaland scored both goals in that 2–1 win over Brazil in the Round of 16. Harry Kane stands in their way now.

Newcastle: Guimaraes is not for sale

Newcastle have told Arsenal again that Bruno Guimaraes is going nowhere (3). No price, no negotiation. The Brazil midfielder remains central to Newcastle's project. Arsenal's interest is real but the door is shut for now.

The goalkeeper who stopped Brazil

Ørjan Nyland was without a club. Unemployed. And then he made the saves that eliminated Brazil from the World Cup (5). The Norwegian keeper now faces England and Harry Kane on Saturday. His story has gone from the sidelines to the center of a World Cup quarterfinal.

Brazil's U21 prospects: over €315m in talent

Transfermarkt has published its list of Brazil's most valuable U21 players, valued at more than €315 million combined (4). The pipeline is deep. After the World Cup exit, these are the names fans will want to learn.

Palmeiras and Flamengo set up Ladies Cup final

Palmeiras beat Paraguay 3–0 and Flamengo routed Peñarol 4–1 in the Brasil Ladies Cup semifinals (6). They meet Sunday, July 12, for the title. Bia Zaneratto and Pati Maldaner featured for Palmeiras, while Fernanda, Mariana, and Laysa led Flamengo.

Fan reactions

Brazilian fans online are watching the rest of this World Cup with a strange mix of bitterness and curiosity. Norway's quarterfinal against England has drawn attention, the team that knocked Brazil out is now a story in itself. Meanwhile, France reaching a third straight semifinal has supporters reflecting on consistency Brazil has not matched since 2002. See the discussion.