Brazil vs Norway: World Cup last-16 clash in New Jersey
Brazil and Norway meet in the World Cup round of 16, featuring stars Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland. Norway have never lost to Brazil, while Brazil seek to overcome their knockout curse against European teams.
On Sunday, July 5, the New Jersey Stadium will host a blockbuster World Cup round-of-16 match between Brazil and Norway. The game promises a showdown between two of the world's most exciting forwards: Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland.
Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, topped Group C with wins over Scotland and Haiti and a draw with Morocco. In the last 32, they came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in stoppage time. Norway finished second in Group I, defeating Iraq and Senegal but losing to France. They edged past Ivory Coast 2-1 in the last 32, securing their first World Cup knockout victory after previous exits in 1938 and 1998.
Haaland has scored five of Norway's ten goals in the tournament, making him the team's key threat. Brazil's defense will be wary of the 1.95-meter tall striker. Norway hold a unique record: they have never lost to Brazil in four meetings (two wins, two draws), including a famous 2-1 group-stage win in 1998. Brazil's trump card is Vinicius Jr, who has scored four goals and is the team's top scorer. He became the first Brazilian since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 to score in all three group matches.
According to the Opta supercomputer, Brazil have a 53.6% chance of winning in regulation time, Norway 22.4%, and a 24% probability of extra time. Brazil have a concerning trend: they have been eliminated from their last six World Cup knockout ties against European opponents since beating Germany in the 2002 final.
Team news: Brazil's Lucas Paqueta has a hamstring injury, while Raphinha (also hamstring) may return to the bench. Norway's Julian Ryerson is out with a thigh injury. Predicted lineups: Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Martinelli; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius. Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
The winner will face Mexico or England in the quarterfinals in Miami on July 11.
