Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he does not have an “anti-Haaland plan” for when his side go up against Norway in the last-16 of the World Cup.
Ancelotti’s side face in New Jersey later today (9pm UK time) with a place in the last eight up for grabs.
Brazil have not exactly been convincing so far in the competition but remain undefeated in four matches and go into the contest following a last-gasp victory against a much-fancied Japan team in the last round.
In Gabriel and Marquinhos, the Selecao boast arguably the most formidable defensive pairing at the tournament.
However, that claim is likely to be firmly put to the test when they meet Erling Haaland, who already has five World Cup goals to his name.
The Manchester City frontman has a remarkable 60 goals in 53 senior internationals for Norway, with the Scandinavians hoping to reach the last eight of football’s showpiece event for the very first time.
However, Ancelotti is adamant there will not be special plans in place to try and limit Haaland’s influence on the game.
“I don’t think that there is such a thing as an ‘anti-Haaland’ plan,” Ancelotti said ahead of the match.
“I don’t need to tell my players how to defend, they have faced each other a few times.
“Our team is in an optimal condition. However, we need to continue improving.”
Ancelotti added: “Everyone knows how he [Haaland] works. I have nothing to explain to my defenders how to play against him.
“They have obviously played against him several times, so we are only focused on being well prepared for the match, understanding the basic characteristics of the opponent and we know that they are very dangerous offensively.
“Norway is a challenging team, a team that has structure, has very good organisation, so we have to play at our best level, but I think we are at a time when we can play at our best level, because we are confident and have come out of a challenging last match against Japan.”
Norway need to be at their best or ‘don’t have a chance’
Meanwhile, Norway manager Stale Solbakken has played down his side’s chances against the five-time winners, insisting his team will begin the contest as underdogs.
Solbakken’s decision to rest the majority of his first-choice starting XI in their final group game against France paid off as Norway saw off the challenge of the Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
But Solbakken knows the South American giants will pose an entirely difference challenge to his squad.
“Brazil have one of the best pairs of defenders in this tournament, two players who are at a top-notch international level,” Solbakken said.
“There will be some tough duels between them and Erling, but it is more Brazil versus Norway for me.
“Brazil are favourites, of course they are, but we are hopeful that we will give them a match – and we must be at our very, very best, otherwise we don’t have a chance.”
Where to watch Brazil v Norway: TV and online streams
Brazil versus Norway kicks off on Sunday night at 9pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and stream via ITVX.
Stats for Brazil v Norway
- Their only previous meeting at a World Cup was in 1998 when Norway won 2-1 in Marseille
- Erling Haaland has scored 50% of Norway’s goals at the 2026 World Cup
- Brazil have been beaten by the first European team they have played in a knockout round at every World Cup since 2002
