The coach of Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti, insists that he does not have a “plan to fight against Haaland” when his team faces Norway in the World Cup final.
Ancelotti’s side face New Jersey later today (9pm UK time) with a place in the last eight.
Brazil have not played well so far in the tournament but remain unbeaten in four games and go into the tournament following a last-minute victory against a highly regarded Japanese side in the final round.
In Gabriel and Marquinhos, the Selecao undoubtedly boast the most formidable defensive pairing in the tournament.
However, that claim may be put to the test when they meet Erling Haaland, who already has five World Cup goals to his name.
The Manchester City star has an incredible 60 goals in 53 international games for Norway, with the Scandinavians hoping to reach eighth in football’s showpiece event for the first time.
However, Ancelotti is adamant that there will be no special plans to try to reduce Haaland’s influence in the game.
“I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘fight against Haaland’ plan,” Ancelotti said before the match.
“There is no need for me to tell my players how to protect themselves, they have faced each other a few times.
“Our team is in the right shape. However, we need to continue to improve.”
Ancelotti added: “Everyone knows what he is like [Haaland] it works. I can’t explain to my defenders how I play with him.
“Obviously they have played against him many times, so we focus on preparing the game well, understanding the basic characteristics of the enemy and we know that they are very dangerous when they attack.
“Norway is a challenging team, a team with structure, very well organized, so we have to play at our best level, but I think we are at a stage where we can play at our best level, because we are confident and come out of the last challenging game against Japan.”
Norway need to be at their best or ‘don’t stand a chance’
Meanwhile, Norway’s manager, Stale Solbakken, played down his team’s chances against the five-time winners, stressing that his team will start the tournament as underdogs.
Solbakken’s decision to rest most of the starters in their final group game against France paid off as Norway overcame the challenge of Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
But Solbakken knows the South American giants will present a completely different challenge to his team.
“Brazil have the best defenders in the tournament, two players of the highest international standard,” said Solbakken.
“There will be tough battles between them and Erling, but for me it’s Brazil compared to Norway.
“Brazil are favourites, of course, but we hope to give them a game – and we have to be at the highest level, otherwise we have no chance.”
Where to watch Brazil v Norway: TV and online streaming
Brazil v Norway kicks off on Sunday night at 9pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and broadcast on ITVX.
Brazil v Norway statistics
- Their last meeting at the 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 became the first European team to play in the knockout stages of every World Cup since 2002
