Erling Haaland has been in devastating form at the World Cup, scoring five goals so far, and Norway will rely heavily on their star striker to overcome Brazil in Sunday's last-16 match. Haaland's late winner against Ivory Coast secured Norway's first knockout-stage victory in the tournament, marking a historic return after a 28-year absence.
Norway's Historic Edge Over Brazil
Norway has never lost to Brazil in their four previous meetings, with two wins and two draws. Coach Stale Solbakken, who played in the 1998 squad that beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the knockout phase, remains optimistic. "Brazil are favorites, of course they are, but we are hopeful that we will give them a match, and we are not playing the game for fun — we are playing to win the game and to reach the quarterfinals," Solbakken said. "It's possible, but it's very difficult."
Haaland's Record-Breaking Run
Solbakken hailed Haaland as "the greatest goalscorer in the world." The Manchester City forward has scored in each of his last 13 competitive internationals, netting 25 times in that span. Captain Martin Odegaard added, "It's amazing to have him in the team, we're lucky to have him and it's just about giving him as many opportunities as possible."
Brazil's Threat: Vinicius Junior
Brazil boasts Vinicius Junior, who has scored four goals in the tournament, becoming the first Brazilian since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in all three group-stage matches. Solbakken joked his team would use a "7-3-0" formation to stop him. "I think every team needs to set up the team right and try to stop him. It's not easy. We will try to do our best."
Norway's Belief and Brazil's Ambition
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who has faced Vinicius in La Liga, expressed confidence: "Because of what we've done over the last two or three years and what we've achieved so far ... we know we can stop anyone." Brazil, aiming for their first title since 2002, needed a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli to beat Japan in the last 32, their first comeback win in a knockout game since 2002.
