Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti insists the five-time world champions won't use an "anti-Haaland" blueprint in their blockbuster World Cup Last-16 clash with Norway. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti insists there will be "no anti-Haaland plan" when the five-time world champions take on Norway in the World Cup Round of 16, despite the prolific striker emerging as one of the tournament's standout performers.
Haaland has scored five goals to help fire Norway into the knockout stages, prompting suggestions Brazil could devise special measures to contain the Manchester City forward. But Ancelotti dismissed that notion on the eve of the clash, insisting the Selecao would trust their collective defensive structure rather than focus on one player.
"I don't think there is such a thing as an 'anti-Haaland' plan," Ancelotti said at a press conference.
"Everyone knows how he works. I have nothing to explain to my defenders because they have obviously played against him several times. We have to be well prepared for the match because Norway are a very dangerous attacking team."
Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a stirring 2-1 comeback victory over Japan after Ancelotti switched to an adventurous 4-2-4 formation. Goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli kept their World Cup dream alive, but Norway represent arguably their toughest assignment yet.
The Scandinavians recovered from a group-stage defeat to France – a match in which Haaland was rested – before overcoming Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32. His tap-in made him the fastest player to reach 60 international goals (53 games), while alongside captain Martin Ødegaard he has formed one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking partnerships.
History also favours Norway. Brazil have never beaten the Norwegians in four previous meetings, including their famous 2-1 victory at the 1998 World Cup in Marseille that knocked the South Americans out of the group stage.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken was equally reluctant to reduce Sunday's showdown to a duel between Haaland and Brazil's central defenders, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.
"There will be some tough duels between them and Erling, but it is more Brazil versus Norway for me," Solbakken said. "Brazil are favourites, but we are hopeful we can give them a match."
Brazil will be without midfielder Lucas Paqueta because of a hamstring injury, while Raphinha could return after recovering from a thigh problem. The winners will face either England or co-hosts Mexico in the quarter-finals.