Brazil’s Matheus Cunha (centre) and Vinicius Junior (right) take part in a training session with teammates. (PICS AFP)
Doha, Qatar: Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup crown faces its biggest examination yet when they meet Norway in a Round of 16 clash at the MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey, today at 11pm Qatar time.
A quarter-final against either co-hosts Mexico or 1966 champions England awaits the winners, but for now the spotlight is firmly on a high-voltage duel between South America’s giants and Europe’s rising force led by Erling Haaland.
Brazil arrive after edging Japan 2-1 in stoppage time through Gabriel Martinelli, a result that highlighted both their resilience and their lingering inconsistencies.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side topped Group C with seven points after a 3-0 win over Haiti, a 1-1 draw with Morocco and a narrow win over Scotland. The structure is stable, the defensive core experienced, but questions remain over control in midfield and occasional vulnerability when pressed.
Erling Haaland
Vinicius Junior has been the standout force, scoring four goals and carrying Brazil’s attacking weight as Ancelotti’s undisputed talisman. The Real Madrid forward has defined their rhythm in transition and remains central to their hopes.
Neymar, however, remains a subplot. The 34-year-old has played just 14 minutes in the tournament, yet Ancelotti insists he remains ‘an important figure’ despite his frustration. The Brazil coach has also hinted the forward is now capable of playing a full match, leaving his role against Norway uncertain but potentially decisive.
Norway, meanwhile, arrive with belief sharpened by history and Haaland’s firepower. The Manchester City striker has already scored five goals at the tournament, including the winner against Cote d’Ivoire in the Round of 32, and continues to define their attack alongside Martin Odegaard.
Stale Solbakken’s lost to France 4-1 after resting 10 players against the Les Bleus as wins over over Iraq and Senegal were enough to send them through.
Their fans have been one of the stories of the tournament, turning stadiums into waves of red, white and blue energy, sustaining chants that have carried into every match. Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years has been marked by intensity, directness and a refusal to play within expectations.
The two sides share a rare historical link. At France 1998, Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 in the group stage, a match still remembered for Kjetil Rekdal’s late penalty after Bebeto’s opener. That remains their most iconic meeting and adds a layer of psychological intrigue to this knockout clash.
Solbakken has been clear about the task ahead, particularly in dealing with Vinicius Junior, acknowledging Brazil’s favourites tag while insisting his side are “not playing for fun” but to reach the quarter-finals. Odegaard has echoed that confidence, stressing Norway’s belief that they can challenge anyone.
Ancelotti, too, has maintained calm authority, praising his side’s progress while admitting they are still chasing consistency at the highest level.
“We are performing but we want to play better,” he said.
For Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, belief comes from preparation and collective discipline, even against elite attacking threats.
“We know we can stop anyone,” he said.
