Erling Haaland will be central to Norway’s hopes of upsetting Brazil when the two sides meet in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash.
Haaland has been in devastating form throughout the tournament, scoring five goals so far, including a late winner against Ivory Coast that secured Norway’s first victory in a World Cup knockout match. The result marked a memorable return to football’s biggest stage for Norway after a 28-year absence.
Norway now aim to recreate their famous 2-1 victory over Brazil at the 1998 World Cup and book a place in the quarter-finals.
Although Haaland has described Norway’s chances as slim, history offers encouragement. Norway remain unbeaten in four previous meetings with Brazil, recording two wins and two draws.
Head coach Stale Solbakken, who was part of the squad that defeated Brazil in 1998, acknowledged Brazil’s strength but insisted his side is aiming for victory.
“Brazil are favourites, but we believe we can challenge them. We are not here just to compete—we are here to win and reach the quarter-finals,” he said.
Solbakken expressed confidence in Haaland, calling him one of the world’s best goalscorers. The Manchester City striker has scored in each of his last 13 competitive internationals, netting 25 goals during that run.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard praised Haaland’s impact, saying the team’s job is to create as many scoring opportunities for him as possible.
Brazil, however, have their own star performer in Vinicius Junior, who has scored four goals in the tournament and emerged as one of the team’s most influential players.
Vinicius became the first Brazilian since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in all three group-stage matches at a World Cup—a promising sign for Brazil, who last lifted the trophy that year.
Solbakken admitted containing Vinicius will be one of Norway’s biggest challenges.
“He is a fantastic player. We will do everything possible to limit his impact,” he said.
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland believes Norway’s recent performances prove they are capable of challenging any opponent.
“Based on what we have achieved in recent years, we know we can compete with anyone,” he said.
Brazil, meanwhile, are hoping coach Carlo Ancelotti can guide them back to glory. They needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to beat Japan in the last 32.
Martinelli praised Ancelotti’s calm leadership, saying the coach inspired belief even when Brazil trailed.
Brazil are also looking to end a poor recent record against European teams in World Cup knockout matches, having failed to beat one in each of the last five tournaments.
Forward Matheus Cunha said Brazil have prepared extensively for Norway’s physical style and aerial threat, warning that Norway’s danger extends beyond Haaland alone.
Brazil will be without Lucas Paqueta due to a hamstring injury, while Raphinha could return after resuming training.
